Key Points

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed grief over civilian deaths in Beersheba after an Iranian missile strike. The attack came hours after a US-brokered ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel achieved all objectives in Operation Rising Lion before agreeing to the truce. Iran launched a final missile barrage just before the ceasefire took effect, killing four civilians.

Key Points: Yair Lapid Mourns Beersheba Civilians Killed in Iran Missile Strike

  • Lapid condemns Iran's missile strike on Beersheba apartment complex
  • Netanyahu declares ceasefire after IDF's Operation Rising Lion success
  • Iran launches final missile barrage before truce takes effect
  • US-backed truce follows 12 days of Israel-Iran hostilities
3 min read

Israel's Opposition leader condoles death of civilians in Beersheba

Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid grieves civilian deaths in Beersheba after Iran's missile attack amid ceasefire talks with Netanyahu and Trump.

"A difficult and painful morning with the murder of civilians in Beersheba in the missile barrage from Iran. – Yair Lapid"

Tel Aviv, June 24

Israel's Leader of Opposition, Yair Lapid, on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of civilians when an Iranian missile struck an apartment complex in Beersheba.

Four people died, and several others were injured when Iran launched a series of missile strikes on Israel hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two.

"A difficult and painful morning with the murder of civilians in Beersheba in the missile barrage from Iran. My heart goes out to the families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured and strengthening the rescue and recovery forces. Heroes who save lives," said Yair Lapid in a post on X.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that defensive systems were activated in response to the fresh attack and that a ballistic missile struck a building in Beersheba.

The ongoing war, now in its 12th day, erupted after Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iranian military and nuclear assets. In retaliation, Iran has fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli territory.

Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal with Iran, marking the end of 12 days of intense hostilities between the two regional rivals.

In an official statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu declared that Israel had met all strategic goals of its military campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, and even exceeded expectations.

"Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation Rising Lion and even far beyond that. Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat - both in the nuclear domain and in the ballistic missile domain," the statement read.

According to the statement, the IDF had "achieved complete air superiority over Tehran's skies, struck a severe blow to the military leadership, and destroyed dozens of central regime targets in Iran."

"In the past 24 hours, the IDF has struck hard at targets of the regime in the heart of Tehran, eliminated hundreds of Basij operatives -- the oppression mechanism of the terror regime and eliminated another senior nuclear scientist," Netanyahu's office said.

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump and the United States for their role in supporting Israel's operations and for "participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat."

"In light of achieving the operation's objectives, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to the President's proposal for a bilateral ceasefire," he added.

However, just before the ceasefire came into effect, Iran launched a final barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel.

One of the missiles struck a residential building in Beersheba, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. Iranian state media later clarified that the missiles were launched prior to the formal implementation of the ceasefire.

Netanyahu's office also warned of serious consequences in case of any future violations of the ceasefire, stating, "Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Very sad to hear about civilian casualties in Beersheba. No matter the conflict, innocent lives should never be the cost of war. India has also suffered from cross-border terrorism, so we understand this pain. Hope both sides show restraint now. 🙏
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Priya M.
The timing of Iran's missile strike right before ceasefire is questionable. Reminds me of how Pakistan often violates ceasefires along LoC. Strong nations must respond firmly to such actions. Israel did right by protecting its interests first.
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Amit S.
While civilian deaths are tragic, we must remember Iran's nuclear ambitions threaten global security. Israel's preemptive action was necessary - just like how India conducted surgical strikes against terror camps. Sometimes tough decisions must be made for long-term peace.
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Sunita R.
The US involvement here is interesting. We've seen how American interventions in our neighborhood (Pakistan/Afghanistan) created more problems than solutions. Hope Middle East doesn't become another playground for superpower politics. #NoMoreProxyWars
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Vikram J.
As an Indian, I'm concerned about how this conflict might affect oil prices and our economy. Already petrol prices are through the roof! Hope our government has contingency plans if Gulf tensions escalate again.
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Neha P.
The way both sides are claiming victory shows neither wants to appear weak. Similar to India-Pakistan dynamics after Balakot. But at what cost? Ordinary people suffer while leaders play political games. Enough is enough!
K
Karan D.
India should learn from Israel's defense

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