The IDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, held a press briefing this evening marking the seventh day of Operation “Rising Lion”, emphasizing that Israel is intensifying its military campaign against Iranian strategic assets. He declared that the operation’s objective is to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran by degrading its nuclear program and missile capabilities.

Over the past 24 hours, Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by intelligence from the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate, struck several high-value targets across Iran. These included:

- The Arak nuclear reactor, which, although not currently active, has the capacity to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons.

- The headquarters of the Special Forces of Iran's Internal Security Forces in Tehran, a core element of the regime’s military apparatus.

- Numerous surface-to-surface missile sites and surface-to-air missile batteries that threaten Israeli aircraft.

These operations aim to dismantle Iran’s offensive capabilities while expanding Israeli aerial dominance. IDF pilots—both reservists and active-duty personnel—are working tirelessly alongside ground technicians and the Operations and Intelligence Directorates to ensure mission success.

In a severe escalation, Iran launched a missile this morning that struck Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Brig. Gen. Defrin personally visited the hospital to meet with the medical staff, Home Front Command units, rescue teams, and injured civilians. He lauded their resilience, professionalism, and swift adherence to emergency protocols, which helped minimize casualties and damage.

He condemned the attack in stark terms: “The Iranian regime deliberately and maliciously targeted a hospital and a civilian population center with the intent to harm innocent people. This is terrorism carried out by a state and a blatant violation of international law.” Notably, Iran also deployed cluster munitions, which are internationally condemned for their indiscriminate harm to civilians.

Despite the aggression, Israel’s multi-layered defense systems—across air, land, and sea—have been actively intercepting threats. Since the beginning of the operation, the IDF has successfully intercepted over 480 UAVs launched toward Israeli territory, with only a few managing to penetrate the border.

Brig. Gen. Defrin urged the public to strictly follow Home Front Command guidelines as the IDF continues to assess the situation and maintain a balance between civilian safety and normal life. He confirmed that the IDF is now operating on seven fronts, with readiness for both defensive and offensive action.

In closing, he reminded the public that 53 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and emphasized that Israel remains united and resolute in the face of ongoing threats. “These are testing days for us all. As a society that cherishes life, we stand strong together.”

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