Following a missile attack from Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that significant consequences are impending for Tehran.
At a Glance
- The US fired about a dozen interceptors at Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Israel.
- US President Joe Biden confirmed US support for Israel’s defense.
- The Israeli military reported about 180 missiles fired at Israel, most intercepted.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the attack as a response to protect Iranian interests and citizens.
- Israel vows consequences for Iran’s missile attack due to escalating rhetoric from Netanyahu.
Missile Attack and Immediate Response
The tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a boiling point following Iran’s recent missile attack. The Israeli military reported that about 180 missiles were fired at Israel, most of which were intercepted by joint air defenses with the United States. The US took decisive action, launching a dozen interceptors from two Navy destroyers. While the interceptors’ effectiveness remains undetermined, the sheer scale of the attack has drawn international concern.
U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s defense, spending the morning in the White House Situation Room to assess the situation. Biden stated that the US response to Iran is under active discussion, emphasizing support for Israel and ongoing assessments of the attack’s impact. White House national security spokesman Jake Sullivan warned of severe consequences, describing Iran’s attack as a “significant escalation.”
“Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay”: Israeli PM Netanyahu vows consequences after massive missile attack on Israel
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— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) October 1, 2024
Israeli Leadership’s Stand
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran “made a big mistake” in attacking Israel and vowed that Tehran “will pay for it.” His rhetoric has been notably escalating, potentially undermining Iran’s clerical leadership. Netanyahu’s statements underscore a severe warning from Israeli leadership, aligning with the national sentiment of defense and retribution against aggressors.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi echoed Netanyahu’s sentiment, promising a shocking response to Tehran that would highlight Israel’s precise and surprising attack capabilities. He assured that Israel would retaliate at a time and place of its choosing, continuing its offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran’s Justification and Regional Impact
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the missile attack as a decisive action to protect Iranian interests and citizens. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attacks were in response to the killing of key figures by Israel, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The use of advanced Fattah hypersonic missiles by Iran marks a significant escalation in their military engagement.
The impact on the region is profound. The missile attack was larger than a previous one in April, signaling a potential increase in hostilities. Casualties from the missile strike were low, with U.S. air defenses helping to intercept most of the missiles. Nevertheless, some missiles landed in central and southern Israel, causing ongoing assessments of the damages. In the West Bank, a Palestinian was killed by shrapnel, and two people were lightly wounded in Tel Aviv.
Sources:
- US says it helped Israel shoot down Iran missiles
- Israel vows ‘consequences’ for Iran after missile barrage
- Israel vows response to Iran missile attack as fears of conflict escalation rise
- IDF acknowledges some Iranian missiles hit airbases, says no major damage caused