In a significant escalation of regional conflict, Iran has launched missiles at Israel, forcing civilians across the country into bomb shelters. The Israeli military confirmed the attack late Tuesday, amid Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. The offensive follows the deaths of Hezbollah’s commander Hassan Nasrallah and a senior official from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the missile strikes occurred at approximately 10:08 PM IST, with hundreds of projectiles fired. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have confirmed the missile launch, citing it as retaliation for the deaths of Nasrallah, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan. Israeli media, quoting news agency Reuters, reported that as many as 100 missiles were launched toward Israel.
Biden Orders US Support for Israel’s Defense
In response to the attack, US President Joe Biden has ordered military support for Israel, directing American forces to assist in shooting down incoming Iranian missiles. The White House released a statement quoting Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who are both closely monitoring the situation from the White House situation room.
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“The United States will stand with Israel and defend it against any aggression,” Biden said, adding that all necessary steps would be taken to protect the region’s stability.
Missiles Intercepted by Israel’s Defense Systems
Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow defense systems were quickly activated, intercepting multiple missiles. Video footage shared online shows debris from the intercepted missiles raining down over Tel Aviv, as explosions were reported in Jerusalem and other cities across Israel. No casualties have been reported as of now, although the situation remains fluid.
“The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles,” an IDF spokesperson said in a public advisory, urging civilians to stay in protected spaces.
Air Traffic Halted as Israel Closes Airspace
In the wake of the missile strikes, Israel’s Ben Gurion airport has suspended air traffic, diverting all incoming and outgoing flights. Neighboring Jordan also announced the suspension of its air traffic, signaling broader regional disruptions.
“A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. Israelis are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command’s instructions,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The IDF remains on high alert, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari urging Israeli citizens to heed safety instructions. “The air defense system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary,” Hagari said, emphasizing that while defenses are robust, they are not impenetrable.
“The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense, at peak readiness. We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the civilians of Israel,” Hagari added.
Ongoing Tensions After Tel Aviv Shooting**
The missile barrage follows a suspected terror shooting in Tel Aviv earlier in the day, where four people were reported killed. The police are investigating the attack as part of the broader surge in violence that has gripped the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches anxiously, with fears that this conflict could escalate further into a full-scale regional war. Both Israeli and Iranian officials have warned of further retaliatory strikes, and international leaders are calling for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life.
