Israel accepts ceasefire, says all war objectives were met

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under unusual criticism from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. (File photo: Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו/Facebook)

By TPS-IL, Philippine News Agency

JERUSALEM – Israel confirmed its agreement to a US-brokered bilateral ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday but warned it will “respond forcefully to any violation,” according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Netanyahu declared that Israel had met “all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion — and much more.”

“Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear and ballistic missile fields,” the statement said.

It added that the Israel Defense Forces achieved “full air control over Tehran’s skies,” struck dozens of key Iranian government sites, and dealt “severe damage” to Iran’s military leadership.

The statement expressed gratitude to the US, saying, “Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defense and their participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat.”

“In light of the achievement of the operation’s objectives, and in full coordination with President Trump,” Israel agreed to the ceasefire but emphasized it remains ready to retaliate if necessary.

The announcement came as four Israelis were killed in Beer-Sheva and at least 20 were injured when a residential building was directly hit by a ballistic missile. Shortly after the morning salvo, Iranian media reported that the ceasefire was taking effect.

Prior to the attack, Iranian media also reported that nuclear scientist Mohammad Reza Sediqqi was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike.

Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

According to Israeli defense officials, Iran has developed the capacity to rapidly enrich uranium and assemble nuclear bombs, with sufficient fissile material for up to 15 weapons.

Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. The strikes marked a dramatic escalation in what officials describe as a broader Iranian strategy combining nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare aimed at Israel’s destruction.

Israeli expanded its strikes on Monday to include assets tasked with securing the Iranian regime’s hold on power, including internal security forces and Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison.

On Monday night, Iran launched missiles at the al-Udeid US Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for American strikes on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.