Meanwhile, Israeli jets target nuclear sites, missile component factories, and missile engine plants, notably the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) complex – a critical part of Iran’s nuclear program.
The time is being used to complete operational preparations – both for an attack and for possible escalation scenarios if the US strikes – and to build legitimacy and domestic support within the US, says former official.
How Assad's fall opened Israel's direct path to Iran's nuclear facilities. Plus: How "CNN's beloved conservative" got stuck in Israel.
PM says that Israel's goals are to remove threat posed by the nuclear and missile programs, but also says "the Jewish people are assisting the Persian people in achieving their freedom."
IDF investigating whether missile barrage included warhead that split into cluster-like munitions.
"A dictator like Khamenei cannot be allowed to exist," Katz said. "He uses resources at the expense of his people for the destruction of Israel."
Senior US officials preparing for potential Iran strike in coming days as Trump weighs military action, Bloomberg reports.
At least two babies were taken out of harms way after the intense morning barrage on central, southern Israel.
Despite repeated Iranian commitments to modify the facility for civilian low-enrichment plutonium production incompatible with weapons development, Tehran's political leadership deliberately avoided completing the conversion process, maintaining the infrastructure as leverage against Western powers.
"The regime is shutting down banks, our currency has lost all value, and internet access is being limited in various locations," a Tehran resident told Israel Hayom.