Iran’s Counterattack: 53,599 Israelis File Compensation Claims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands in front of the devastated Weizmann Institute following Iran’s missile attack.

Israel has long gained advantages by attacking weaker nations, but its assault on Iran proved to be an exception, turning into a boomerang. After the attack on Tehran, Israel realized the strength of its formidable adversary. Under the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran showed no leniency toward Israel, forcing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take notice.

As Tel Aviv reeled from Iran’s retaliatory strikes, Netanyahu sought assistance from the United States to mitigate the crisis. Eventually, the U.S. became directly involved in the conflict, though a ceasefire was brokered through President Trump’s mediation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked Israel’s leadership, stating that Israel had no choice but to run to its “father,” the United States, to escape annihilation from Iran’s missile strikes. Analysts note that the 12-day conflict severely crippled Israel’s economy. While Israel initially downplayed the damage, the extent of the losses is gradually becoming clear. The conflict with Iran has cost Israel billions of shekels. Shay Aharonovitch, Director General of the Israel Tax Authority, described the damage as “unimaginable.” Under “Operation True Promise III,” Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones targeting key locations, including Tel Aviv. Although the Israeli Defense Forces intercepted some attacks, numerous buildings and military installations were damaged. Most strikingly, Iran claims to have shot down two of Israel’s advanced F-35 fighter jets. Following the conflict, the Israel Tax Authority received a record 53,599 compensation claims. Preliminary estimates suggest direct damages of approximately 4 billion New Israeli Shekels (about $1.1 billion USD), with business stagnation and indirect losses pushing the total cost far higher. Israel’s military vulnerabilities were also exposed. Iran’s security forces arrested two Mossad operatives in a covert operation, recovering 200 kg of explosives and 23 drones from them.

Shay Aharonovitch further revealed that the Weizmann Institute of Science, which works closely with Mossad, was among the hardest hit. Additionally, Iran’s counterattacks left numerous businesses paralyzed for an extended period.