Alwaght- In reaction to the recent Israeli aggression, Iran on Sunday launched the third round of its missile and drone strikes on Israeli regime under Operation True Promise III. In this attack, a number of Israeli cities, especially Tel Aviv, Ashdod, Haifa, and Ilat Port were directly struck. Major destruction to the infrastructure, military sites, and residential areas was reported following the attack.
The intensity of the explosions and the extent of the destruction were so great that the images released from these attacks are reminiscent of the scenes that the Israeli regime has created in Gaza over the past two years. The series of terrible explosions, widespread fires and columns of smoke that darkened the sky have created widespread fear and confusion in the Israeli settlements.
Despite the severe censorship and extensive restrictions imposed by the Israeli regime on news coverage of the extent of the damage caused by the recent Iranian missile attacks on the occupied territories, images and reports have been published of the transfer of the injured to medical centers and the critical situation in the affected areas. According to reports, during the Iranian missile attack on the city of Haifa, especially in the Tamra area, extensive damage was caused, as in addition to the killing and wounding of a number of Israelis, a significant number were also left under the rubble.
Some Israeli sources have put the death toll in Haifa at around 5. Images published in Israeli media show the situation in the Tamra area as chaotic. According to these images, clashes between residents and police forces have occurred, leading to numerous riots in the city. It has also been reported that at least 61 buildings have been damaged in these attacks.
Following the Iranian drone and missile attacks, continuous sirens sounded in various areas in the occupied territories, forcing millions of Israelis to seek shelter. Also, power outages have been reported in a number of Israeli settlements after Iranian missiles targeted the Haifa refinery.
Tel Aviv in a state of crisis
Citing eyewitnesses, Israeli sources reported severe destruction caused by Iranian missile attacks in the Bat Yam area south of Tel Aviv. Israeli Army Radio reported that the destruction left in Bat Yam by Iranian missiles was unnatural. An eyewitness told Israeli Army Radio: "Unprecedented destruction has occurred in Bat Yam as a result of the Iranian missile attack."
Al Jazeera, citing Israeli sources, reported that the death toll from the Iranian missile attack on the Bat Yam area in Tel Aviv has risen to 10. The sources added that the number of injured has also risen to 240.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper also reported that estimates indicate that 35 people are missing at the site of the Iranian missile strike on Bat Yam. Hebrew media reported that settlers were trapped inside the Weizmann Institute of Science building in the Bar Hofufot area following the Iranian missile attack, and pointed to the heavy damage caused to the center.
The released videos show that after Iranian missiles hit targets in Tel Aviv, the screams and panic of settlers in the surrounding areas can be clearly heard. At the moment of impact, residents fled to shelters in a state of confusion and fear, and the atmosphere in the targeted areas became completely emergency. Local sources have reported widespread confusion and fear among settlers.
In addition to the volume of destruction, the lack of shelters in some areas has created serious problems for settlers. Israeli sources, who were forced to spend hours on the streets after the widespread Iranian attacks, announced that there are tens of thousands of old buildings in Tel Aviv that lack shelters. Israeli residents in Tel Aviv said: We have no shelters, our neighbors are closing the doors of their shelters on us. Therefore, the released videos show that some settlers have taken refuge in tunnels for fear of Iranian missiles, which has caused heavy traffic.
According to Israeli media reports, 40 percent of Tel Aviv residents live in buildings that do not have proper shelters. This is while Israeli officials have always claimed that there are numerous shelters in the occupied territories.
With the new wave of Iranian attacks, fear and panic have spread throughout the occupied territories, forcing Netanyahu's hardline government to close some centers. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper wrote: Israeli officials decided to ban the activities of schools, educational institutions and factories amid tensions with Iran.
A tough night for Israelis
The situation in the occupied territories is such that the Israeli authorities have also acknowledged Iran's military power. The commander of the Israeli regime's Home Front Command announced in this regard: "Last night was a difficult night for Israel and we are in "Bet Yam" searching for survivors under the rubble."
Yair Lapid, the head of the opposition,said: "Last night was a very difficult and deadly night with the deadly barrage from Iran." At the same time, referring to the Iranian missile attacks, ex-PM Ehud Barak admitted: "We are facing a long and painful test."
By creating massive fear among the Israelis and causing heavy destruction in various places, Iran's missile and drone attacks on the occupied territories carried a decisive and warning message that the era of hit and go is over for Tel Aviv and that any aggression on Iran does not go unanswered. If the leaders of Tel Aviv continue their adventures, they should expect much heavier consequences. This time, the Israelis and settlers experienced with their own eyes some of the same destruction and suffering that they have imposed on the people of Gaza for years. The new reality is that insecurity and war will no longer be limited to Palestinian territory, and powerful Iranian missiles will land in the heart of the occupied territories.
