In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran fired 181 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, prompting air raid sirens across the nation and forcing nearly 10 million Israelis to seek refuge in bomb shelters. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a significant number of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow systems. Nonetheless, some missiles breached the defenses, resulting in minor damage and a few light injuries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile barrage, declaring that Iran had committed a “big mistake” and warned that Tehran would “pay for it.” This incident marks the second direct assault from Iran on Israel in 2023, following a similar event in April that was swiftly mitigated by Israeli and allied defenses. Iranian officials claimed the missile strikes were in retaliation for the recent deaths of senior Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh due to Israeli military actions.
Guy Nir, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in India, emphasized that Israel would respond appropriately to Iran’s actions. “If he (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) plans to initiate a full-scale war with Israel, it will be a mistake for them,” Nir stated. He assured that Israel’s response would be strategic and targeted, avoiding an all-out war, which neither side desires.
The United States responded sharply to the missile attack, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan labeling it a “significant escalation.” Sullivan warned of “severe consequences” for Iran and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel during a White House press briefing. President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, indicating that military discussions were in progress to formulate an appropriate response, while assuring that U.S. forces would aid in intercepting any further Iranian missile assaults.
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The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the missile launch, targeting three Israeli military installations near Tel Aviv. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the attack was complete unless Israel escalated its actions. The IRGC further warned that any retaliation from Israel would provoke “crushing attacks.”
Despite most missiles being intercepted, there were reports of injuries and damage. In Tel Aviv, two civilians sustained light injuries from shrapnel, while a Palestinian civilian was killed by debris in the West Bank city of Jericho. The Israeli military later stated that the immediate threat had subsided, allowing civilians to exit bomb shelters.
The missile attack from Tehran raises concerns of a broader regional conflict, especially as Israeli forces conducted ground raids in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah positions. Lebanese health authorities reported that recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 55 deaths, contributing to a rising toll of over 1,800 casualties since early October.
As the situation intensifies, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, warning against further escalation in the Middle East. Neighboring countries, including Iraq and Jordan, have closed their airspace in response, with Iranian-backed Iraqi militias threatening to target U.S. bases should Washington intervene in the conflict.
