Tehran to Tremble: Smotrich Vows Retaliation After Ceasefire Breach

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, hardline Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has vowed a harsh response, declaring on social media that “Tehran will tremble” after Israel accused Iran of violating the truce. This inflammatory statement underscores the deep skepticism and continued tensions surrounding the peace efforts.
The threat comes after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered a “forceful” military response to an alleged Iranian missile launch in northern Israel, just hours after the ceasefire was announced. Two missiles were reportedly intercepted, leading to a direct accusation of ceasefire violation against Iran.
The ceasefire, declared by the US President, aimed to bring an end to 12 days of intense conflict. Both Israel and Iran had publicly accepted the truce, but the continued exchange of fire on Tuesday morning quickly exposed its fragility. The breakdown highlights the difficulty of imposing a lasting peace in a highly volatile region.
The preceding hours saw Israel launch intense airstrikes on Tehran, with significant casualties reported. Iran, while denying post-ceasefire launches, confirmed its earlier barrages had killed five Israelis and wounded 22. The cycle of violence appears set to continue, fueled by strong rhetoric and retaliatory actions.