
Iran’s launch of almost 200 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel’s central and southern regions sent civilians rushing to shelters, triggering a significant escalation in the Middle Eastern conflict.
At a Glance
- Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles targeting Israel.
- Most missiles were intercepted, but some hit central and southern Israel.
- The attack resulted in one fatality, a Palestinian man in the West Bank.
- Israel’s Prime Minister and Defense Minister vowed retaliation.
Iran’s Unprecedented Missile Attack
On Tuesday night, Iran executed an unprecedented missile attack, launching close to 200 ballistic missiles targeting central and southern Israel. This offensive, the second of its kind this year, saw civilians rushing to shelters as air raid sirens wailed across the country. Although Israel’s advanced defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, intercepted most of the missiles, some reached their targets, causing significant damage and panic.
The missiles struck areas around the Nevatim airbase, Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv, and other strategic locations. According to reports, minor damage occurred at the Nevatim airbase, and about 100 houses were damaged in Hod HaSharon. Two citizens in Tel Aviv received treatment for light injuries. Iranian state media highlighted the use of advanced Fattah hypersonic missiles, Emad, and Qadr ballistic missiles in the attack.
This is just a small glimpse of the terror Israelis faced tonight as Iran launched 181 ballistic missiles, sending 10 million people to bomb shelters.
Imagine if this was your family. pic.twitter.com/koRcy8MziG
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 1, 2024
Repercussions and Responses
The assault resulted in a single confirmed fatality, a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank. Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed swift retaliation. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, “Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it,” emphasizing Israel’s resolve to defend itself and retaliate against its enemies.
International reactions swiftly followed. The United States alongside the United Kingdom, France, and Japan condemned the missile barrage and called for restraint to prevent further escalation. The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday to address the crisis.
I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today following today’s outrageous act of aggression by Iran against Israel. The Minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 2, 2024
The Larger Geopolitical Context
This attack, reportedly ordered by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is seen as retaliation for the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of “crushing” responses should Israel retaliate. Given the significant escalation, Israel might target Iranian oil production or nuclear facilities in response, raising the stakes globally.
As the situation remains highly fluid, continuous updates are forthcoming. Nevertheless, the swift actions by defense units and international pressures underscore the critical need for de-escalation in a region already fraught with tensions.
Sources:
- What we know about Iran’s missile attack on Israel
- Iran Attacks Israel Live Updates: 8 Israeli Soldiers Killed In South Lebanon Combat Ops, Says Army