Netanyahu says Israel halting Iran strikes for now, warns against renewed attacks

Xinhua
08 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10

JERUSALEM, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the fire against Iran is currently "on hold," but warned that Israel will respond forcefully if Iran resumes its attacks.

"At the moment, the fire is on hold because after ... it (Iran) stopped attacking us," Netanyahu said in his first televised statement more than 20 hours after Iran first launched missiles at Israel on Sunday night.

If Iran "makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force," he added.

Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to strike military and economic targets across Iran on Monday.

Iran said its attacks were a retaliation for earlier Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Israel reportedly canceled additional planned strikes in Iran after a phone call between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, their second known conversation in two days.

Following Netanyahu's statement, Israel's Home Front Command said it will lift most civil defense restrictions across the country on Tuesday morning.

The current restrictions would remain in place until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the Home Front Command said. From then, most of the country will return to full activity, while restrictions will remain in place in several northern communities near the Lebanese border.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Greek Herald.

More Information

International Business

Section

Fuel shock and aircraft shortages test airline recovery

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Airline executives from around the world are meeting in Rio de Janeiro this weekend amid growing concerns that...

EU weighs supply chain diversification requirements

BRUSSELS, Belgium: The European Commission is considering new legislation that could require companies in sensitive sectors to diversify...

Amazon reveals warehouse robot that responds to commands

DARTFORD, England: Amazon introduced a new generation of AI-powered warehouse robot capable of responding to conversational instructions,...

Loonie slides as traders await next week's rate decision

TORONTO, Ontario: The Canadian dollar traded near an eight-week low against the U.S. dollar on Friday as investors looked ahead to...

Trump administration plans fresh tariffs on key partners

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has proposed new tariffs of 10 percent or more on imports from dozens of major U.S. trading...

Dangote eyes global jet fuel market amid export surplus

LONDON, U.K.: Nigeria's Dangote refinery has built up a significant surplus of jet fuel and is well-positioned to supply markets around...

Mediterranean

Section