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

This photo released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office on March 17, 2026 shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) speaking on the phone. (Xinhua)

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.

Local people and paramedics inspect the debris of a building destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Borj El Chmali, southern Lebanon, on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

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.