TEL AVIV — Hours after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire went into effect Tuesday morning, Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward northern Israel, prompting a crisis response from the Israeli government and direct intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.
After Shocking Turn, Israel Will Still Face Iran’s Nuclear Threat
In response to what it deemed a “grave violation”, Israel initially prepared a forceful military retaliation, including potential strikes deep into Tehran. However, after a tense call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, plans were dramatically scaled back.
Instead, Israeli jets executed a single symbolic strike against an Iranian radar installation north of Tehran — a move coordinated with Washington to avoid escalation.
Trump to Netanyahu: “Bring Your Pilots Home”
Trump, speaking to reporters from the White House lawn, publicly scolded Israel’s response to the Iranian missile fire.
“Do not drop those bombs. If you do, it is a major violation,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Bring your pilots home, now.”
Sources confirm that Trump personally demanded Netanyahu call off broader retaliation plans. While Netanyahu refused to cancel a response entirely, both sides agreed on a limited, targeted strike to preserve the fragile ceasefire.
“You gotta call back the planes. It’s enough. And they did, which I respect very greatly,” Trump later told reporters.
Ceasefire Violation: What Happened?
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF):
- 10:30 a.m. local time: Two Iranian missiles fired at northern Israel, 3.5 hours after ceasefire began
- IDF intercepted both missiles; debris was found in the Galilee region
- Prior to ceasefire: Iran launched a 20-missile barrage hitting Beersheba, killing 4 people and injuring dozens
Israel had initially refrained from retaliating to the Beersheba strike, hoping to preserve the ceasefire. But the post-ceasefire attack forced a strategic response.
Israeli Leadership: Ready to Strike Hard
Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a retaliatory strike, initially directing the military to “respond forcefully in the heart of Tehran.”
“Iran broke the ceasefire,” said one Israeli official. “And it will pay.”
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir echoed the sentiment:
“We will strike with force in light of the grave violation of the ceasefire.”
However, the plan was scaled back after Netanyahu’s phone call with Trump, resulting in only a symbolic radar strike.
Political Pressure Mounts in Israel
Despite Trump’s demands, many Israeli lawmakers called for a stronger response:
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: “Tehran will tremble.”
- MK Limor Son Har-Melech: “Missiles will be answered with…?”
- Opposition leader Avigdor Liberman: “We must respond immediately.”
- Likud MK Avichai Boaron: “Strike with full force.”
Reports suggest Netanyahu’s cabinet was ordered not to speak to the press or post on social media, indicating high-level coordination to contain political fallout.
Ceasefire Credibility in Jeopardy
Trump has insisted that the ceasefire remains in effect, despite conflicting reports of violations on both sides.
Iran initially denied firing the missiles, later claiming Israel had continued strikes past the ceasefire start, though no credible evidence supported that claim.
Israeli military officials maintain that most planned sorties were halted, and only a single strike was executed after coordination with Washington.
Hostage Families, Opposition Demand Gaza Deal
While the spotlight remains on Iran, pressure is growing at home to resolve the hostage crisis in Gaza.
- Yair Lapid: “It’s time. Return the hostages, end the war.”
- Yair Golan: “What does the ceasefire do to stop Iran’s nuclear push?”
- Hostage Families Forum: Called ceasefire “a grave diplomatic failure” for ignoring Gaza hostages
With 50 hostages still held by Hamas since October 2023, critics argue that ending the Iranian campaign without addressing Gaza leaves critical security and moral objectives unmet.
Nuclear Threat Not Over
Despite the strikes, Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain alive:
- Iran holds 400kg of highly enriched uranium, reportedly stored in tunnels near Isfahan
- U.S. Central Command estimates only a few months setback
- Tehran’s ballistic missile program also remains mostly intact
Trump and Netanyahu face renewed scrutiny over whether the ceasefire has given Iran breathing room to rebuild.
Conclusion: Symbolism or Strength?
Israel’s symbolic strike shows restraint under U.S. pressure — but also raises questions about deterrence.
As Iran and Israel test the limits of the ceasefire, the region watches to see whether diplomacy, deterrence, or destruction will define the next chapter.