Israel Agrees to Ceasefire After Achieving Objectives in Operation Rising Lion

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The Israeli government on Tuesday morning confirmed its agreement to a ceasefire with Iran, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, following what officials called the successful conclusion of “Operation Rising Lion.” Israeli leaders declared that the military campaign had met and exceeded its goals, though fresh missile attacks from Iran threatened to undermine the fragile truce.

In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had “removed from itself a double existential threat” by eliminating key elements of Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. “The IDF achieved full air superiority over Tehran, struck dozens of key government targets, and delivered a historic blow to Iran’s military leadership,” Netanyahu told his Cabinet.

The ceasefire went into effect at 7 a.m. Israel time after a night of heavy exchanges. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported having destroyed critical Iranian infrastructure, including the SPND weapons development headquarters, and claimed the elimination of hundreds of Basij operatives and another senior nuclear scientist. Netanyahu thanked President Trump and the U.S. for their support in what he described as a “tremendous success for the people of Israel and its fighters.”

However, the truce was tested within hours. The IDF said Iran fired at least two missiles at northern Israel at around 10:30 a.m., just three hours after the ceasefire’s implementation. Both missiles were intercepted, but fragments landed in the Galilee. Earlier, a barrage on Beersheba just before the truce killed four civilians and wounded at least 20 others.

In response, Israel conducted what officials termed a “symbolic strike,” targeting an Iranian radar installation north of Tehran. The limited strike followed urgent talks between Netanyahu and Trump, with the U.S. president reportedly urging Israel to stand down from a broader retaliation. “Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now,” Trump warned in a post on Truth Social.

Defense Minister Israel Katz initially ordered forceful retaliation, but the scale was reduced after consultations with Washington. Katz vowed that Israel would not tolerate violations of the truce, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military remained on high alert and ready to respond to any future aggression.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and opposition leader Avigdor Liberman, called for tougher action in response to the ceasefire breaches. “Tehran will tremble,” Smotrich declared on X, while Liberman insisted Israel “must not accept” Iranian provocations.

The ceasefire, mediated with Qatari assistance, remains fragile. Netanyahu’s office stated that while Israel had agreed to halt its operations after achieving its war aims, it would not hesitate to act forcefully against further Iranian attacks. The IDF urged the public to continue following Home Front Command guidelines as the situation evolves.

Netanyahu is expected to address the nation later today to outline the government’s next steps amid ongoing uncertainty over whether the truce will hold.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

U.A.E. Signals Willingness to Join Military Effort to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
U.A.E. Signals Willingness to Join Military Effort to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the United States and allied nations in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force, marking a significant strategic shift that could make it the first Persian Gulf state to formally enter the conflict against Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.

American Journalist Kidnapped In Baghdad; Suspect Linked To Iran-Backed Militia Arrested
American Journalist Kidnapped In Baghdad; Suspect Linked To Iran-Backed Militia Arrested

An American freelance journalist has been kidnapped in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, with authorities confirming the arrest of a suspect linked to an Iran-aligned militia, Iraqi and U.S. officials said.

Hungary’s Russia Ties Under Scrutiny After Leaked Calls Ahead Of Election (Worthy News In-Depth)
Hungary’s Russia Ties Under Scrutiny After Leaked Calls Ahead Of Election (Worthy News In-Depth)

Ties between the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Moscow appear to be closer than previously thought after leaked recordings suggested direct coordination over European Union sanctions against Russia.

Palm Sunday Massacre Leaves Dozens Dead in Nigeria as Violence Targets Christian Communities
Palm Sunday Massacre Leaves Dozens Dead in Nigeria as Violence Targets Christian Communities

At least 30 people were killed in a brutal Palm Sunday attack in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria, marking yet another deadly incident during one of Christianity’s holiest seasons, according to International Christian Concern.

Netanyahu Declares Major Strategic Gains Against Iran, Says Regime’s Power Has Been Crippled
Netanyahu Declares Major Strategic Gains Against Iran, Says Regime’s Power Has Been Crippled

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel, in close coordination with the United States, has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities as the regional conflict entered its fifth week.

Supreme Court Defends Free Speech, Religious Liberty in Counseling Case Involving LGBTQ Youth
Supreme Court Defends Free Speech, Religious Liberty in Counseling Case Involving LGBTQ Youth

In a landmark victory for free speech and religious liberty, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state of Colorado cannot ban counselors from engaging in voluntary conversations with minors seeking guidance on issues of sexuality and gender identity.

Israel Plans Security Zone to Litani River as Lebanon Operations Intensify
Israel Plans Security Zone to Litani River as Lebanon Operations Intensify

Israel signaled a major strategic shift on its northern front Tuesday, as Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intends to establish a permanent security zone inside southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River.