As the military confrontation between Israel and Iran enters its second week, Israeli leaders have made it crystal clear: their military campaign will continue until all strategic objectives have been accomplished. Speaking at both domestic and international forums, officials emphasized their resolve in dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities regardless of diplomatic pressure.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday that Israel’s offensive will continue until its mission has been accomplished, saying they won’t get drawn into a protracted conflict of attrition and they would complete their goals before ending this historic operation. Speaking in a televised address he stated this point as well. For more details regarding his statement click on this link timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2ynetnews.com +2 and timesofisrael +2.
Israeli media reports indicate that Operation Rising Lion, Israel’s campaign to attack Iran’s missile forces and nuclear infrastructure, has neutralized more than half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers while making significant inroads into their nuclear infrastructure. Netanyahu stated the operation is on course towards reaching its main objectives of crippling Iran’s missile forces while rolling back their nuclear program en.wikipedia.org+2 +2.
Israeli Military Strategy: Air, Covert, and Coordinated
Israel launched airstrikes targeting major nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan involving over 200 fighter jets hitting over 100 targets (en.wikipedia.org +3, thetimes.co.uk). The strike included over 20 missile launches targeting Natanz missile bases; 200 fighter jets flew missions that hit over 100 sites
Covert elements played an essential part in this conflict, with Mossad-led drone sabotage preceding an air offensive to disable surface-to-surface missile launchers, in particular.
On Sunday, an Israeli army spokesperson confirmed: “We have other goals and will act until they are reached”; signaling wider objectives beyond simply ending nuclear enrichment (Yahoo.com/+5, Reuter’s.com/+5, TimesofIndia.indiatimes.com/+5 +5)
At a Security Council session held June 20, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stressed the irreversibility of Israel’s offensive in Iran, asserting that it must continue until Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been dismantled and military power neutralized, emphasizing that both Israeli and global security require no retreat; see: The Guardian; Reuter’s; Politico.com for details.
Iran Reacts, Diplomacy Breaks Down
Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel’s military targets; although Israel claims most threats have been intercepted. Casualties on both sides have resulted from this conflict: according to Reuters estimates around 650 Iranian fatalities and over 600 wounded; at least two dozen Israeli deaths as well. Diplomatic efforts in Geneva collapsed with European mediators being unable to prevent further escalation politico.com/8851625/6821748/6223421/18/85475/69414/795/786/5985829/6881829/6893485269678/7970/897294/68895/1975/7875/1888/7950/695697496/785285135456/967/10/83475/2077/3578576/763481 for those keeping score, plus another 300 or so wounded from either side (Reuters counts over 600 Iranian deaths with over 600 injured; with at least two dozen Israeli deaths despite efforts made through European mediators’ failed in Geneva with European mediators being unable to prevent further escalate furtherescalation [politico.com/1976/717/1874]. Diplomatic efforts failed with European mediators not being able to prevent further escalate the conflict (politico.com/1978/62). Diplomatic efforts which led directly politico.co +1 whils 18 1 1670 1+1). Diplomatic efforts made through EU mediation; see: Politico + 1 and Thesun.co +1). Diplomatic attempts made via European mediators without which European mediators being able /s 5th/Switz from be /US =+1 both.co UK ==1). politico.co +1
Israeli officials, including Ambassador Hotovely, frame this operation as necessary to prevent nuclear holocaust – likening it to pivotal wartime stands of history (nypost.com; sun.co.uk/) + 2; theaustralian.com.au (+2).
Global Reactions: Support, Concern and Condemnation United States: Washington has provided intelligence support; former President Trump sets a diplomatic timeline but favors swifter actions at this stage, according to The Sun (www.thesun.co.uk).
Europe: The UK, France and Germany all expressed regret at the failure of diplomacy and called for restraint – yet none offered direct military backing to either side.
China and Russia: Both have condemned the strikes and called for urgent de-escalation, warning of wider regional war (The Times.co.uk, March 12th 2018). U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly appealed for calm as civilian casualties mount;
The Road Ahead: Endurance or Exit
Both Israeli leadership and military spokespeople emphasize they will continue pressure until “all goals” have been accomplished, including the destruction of Iran’s critical missile and nuclear infrastructure and covert operations underway – no signs that their campaign is winding down soon.
At the core of Israel’s strategy lies a conundrum: should Israel press forward, risking further regional conflict and civilian casualties; or step back for diplomatic considerations? For now, however, their government insists that retreat is not an option.
Bottom Line: Israel remains determined to pursue its campaign against Iran–militarily, covertly, and diplomatically–until their strategic objectives are fully attained. With global attention growing and diplomacy faltering, now is an opportune moment to consider whether continued escalation will secure peace or lead to wider war.