Israel’s Defense Minister vowed Iran “will pay a price” for its missile attacks. Iran has fired 350 missiles, killing 24 Israelis and injuring 400. Despite high interception rates, several strikes hit major cities. Both sides continue retaliatory attacks amid fears of wider war.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed on Monday that Iran would face consequences for its sustained missile attacks on Israeli territory, declaring, “Tehran will pay a price for these strikes.”

Speaking Monday morning, June 16, Katz accused Iran of intentionally targeting civilians. “Iran is deliberately striking at Israeli civilians,” he said, warning of a firm Israeli response to the escalating conflict.

According to The Jerusalem Post, since the beginning of the war, Iran has launched approximately 350 ballistic missiles, with the salvos primarily targeting central Israel, including the Gush Dan/Tel Aviv region, Haifa, and Beersheba. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed on Monday that their missile defense systems have achieved an 80–90% interception rate, meaning 5–10% of incoming missiles have managed to strike populated areas.

The same report noted that eight additional civilians were killed during Iran’s most recent strikes on Sunday and early Monday, raising the total number of Israeli fatalities to 24, with over 400 more injured. Among the latest impacts were hits in Tel Aviv, Petach Tikva, and Bnei Brak, resulting in further casualties.

The Jerusalem Post also reported that the IDF has significantly reduced the frequency of Iranian missile launches by destroying dozens of launch sites and missiles in recent days. However, Iran continues to adapt its tactics in an effort to penetrate Israeli defenses.

On Friday, June 13, the Israeli military launched a major retaliatory campaign, targeting Iranian ballistic missile production sites, nuclear facilities, and senior military and scientific figures associated with Iran’s strategic programs. The operation involved coordinated air and drone strikes deep inside Iranian territory.

In retaliation, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv late Friday night. Although most were intercepted, several broke through, striking residential buildings and causing substantial damage.

The IDF, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post, emphasized the importance of civilians using bomb shelters and safe rooms, noting these protective measures have saved numerous lives. They added that no buildings have collapsed completely despite direct hits, crediting both Israeli engineering standards and civil preparedness.

With both nations locked in a cycle of attack and reprisal, and as casualties mount, international observers continue to warn of the risk of a full-scale regional war.