Israel seeks swift end to ongoing war with Iran: Report

STC NEWS DESK
JUNE 23 (STC): Israeli officials are seeking a swift end to the escalating confrontation after key Israeli military installations were pounded by Iranian missile barrages, reveals a report published in the Wall Street Journal.
The report quoting confirmation from multiple diplomatic sources, states that Israel has begun quietly reaching out through Arab intermediaries and Western partners, in hopes of averting a full-scale regional war that could spiral out of control.
“The outreach includes indirect communications to Tehran via countries like Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, says the report.
Reportedly, the United States is also playing a central role in facilitating dialogue, with special envoy Steve Witkoff holding behind-the-scenes consultations with Iranian and European officials.
The report further adds that France, Germany, and the UK have also initiated discussions in Geneva aimed at pushing Iran toward restraint, though Tehran has insisted it will not consider any de-escalation while Israeli strikes continue.
Inside Israel, the urgency is reportedly mounting. “Over the past week, Iranian missile strikes have successfully penetrated layers of Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems, inflicting damage on several military sites,” reads the report and adds that among the most significant hits was Nevatim Airbase, which houses part of Israel’s advanced fleet of F-35 fighter jets. While many incoming threats were intercepted, several managed to evade defense systems, raising fears about Israel’s ability to withstand prolonged missile attacks.
It’s pertinent to mention that military analysts have noted that Iran’s missile capability has now been proven to vastly outmatch Israel’s in both volume and reach. While Israel depends heavily on layered defense systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3 to protect its territory, Iran’s arsenal includes thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles capable of overwhelming these systems through saturation tactics.
Experts say the recent barrages have exposed gaps in Israel’s air defense readiness, forcing the country to rely increasingly on U.S. support.
The economic impact is becoming more visible by the day. Air raid sirens and emergency alerts have forced business closures across cities like Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva.
Ben Gurion Airport has seen dozens of flights canceled or diverted, and the real estate, tourism, and retail sectors have reported steep losses.
Defense expenditures are surging, with estimates suggesting Israel is now spending hundreds of millions of dollars per day to sustain its interceptor systems and aerial operations.
Despite projecting a public image of strength and control, Israeli officials privately acknowledge the risks of prolonging the conflict.
Several senior figures in the Israeli security establishment reportedly favor winding down military operations in the coming days, provided Iran halts further missile launches.
But others within the government remain adamant that any move toward a ceasefire must be conditional on Iran ending its regional provocations and missile threats.
In Tehran, the mood is defiant. Iranian officials have dismissed Israeli overtures as “tactical retreats” and vowed to maintain pressure unless Israel ceases its operations entirely.
(Inputs from agencies)