nvn news
Mon Jun 16 2025
In the early hours of Sunday, an Iranian missile hit a 10-storey residential building in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv. The attack killed at least eight people and left dozens more trapped under the rubble, as BBC reported.
Despite the destruction, many people in this right-leaning city continue to support Israel’s military strikes on Iran, which began Friday. These strikes have targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile bases, air defences, and key infrastructure.
By Sunday night, at least three people were still missing. Rescue worker Ori Lazarovich said, “People came out covered in ash and dust. I saw real fear in their eyes.” The missiles used were more powerful than the rockets from Hamas or Hezbollah, which Israel’s defence systems usually intercept. The attack injured over 100 people.
Avi, a 68-year-old local, said, “We must keep hitting Iran. If we stop, they’ll drop an atomic bomb on us.” Another resident, Emil Mahmudov, 18, added, “We should’ve done this a long time ago. Most Israelis feel the same.”
Israel says its goal is to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, something Iran denies it’s trying to do. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism over the Gaza war, his political rivals have united in support of the Iran strikes.
Middle East expert Professor Yossi Mekelberg warned that this could turn into a much larger war. “It’s bigger than Gaza or Hezbollah. And after 20 months of conflict, Israelis are tired,” he said. If more people die and life gets harder, public support might fade, he added.
On Sunday, Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, visited the scene. So did Prime Minister Netanyahu, who was met with chants of “Bibi, King of Israel.”
Later that evening, Netanyahu addressed the nation, calling it “a difficult day,” and warned that more tough days could lie ahead. The big question now is how much more the Israeli public is willing to endure.
No comments yet
