On Tuesday night, Israel faced a large-scale missile attack from Iran, with air raid sirens sounding across the country, particularly in Tel Aviv. The missile strike was in support of Hezbollah, following the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, promising retaliation and emphasizing Israel’s resolve to defend itself while praising the country’s air defense systems and support from the United States.
Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles in what was described as a “limited” attack. Israel’s defense forces successfully intercepted many of these missiles, with no immediate reports of casualties. The attack is believed to be in direct response to Israel’s earlier actions targeting Hezbollah’s leadership.
The United States condemned the Iranian escalation and expressed its intent to coordinate with Israel for a response. A U.S. State Department official characterized the attack as a serious escalation by Iran.
Iran Launches Missile Barrage on Israel After Hezbollah Leader’s Death, Netanyahu Vows Retaliation
Amid the missile strikes, Netanyahu delivered a message to the Israeli people, urging them to follow safety protocols and remain united during the crisis. He portrayed the conflict as part of a broader campaign against what he called “Iran’s axis of evil.” Netanyahu’s call for unity came as citizens were urged to take shelter from the missile barrage, with millions of Israelis affected by the strikes.
In a separate but related incident, eight people were killed in a stabbing and shooting attack at a tram station in Tel Aviv, shortly before the missile attack. The Palestinian Mujahidin Movement claimed responsibility for the attack. Israeli authorities responded by neutralizing the attackers. This attack compounded an already tense and volatile situation in Israel, as the missile strikes soon followed.
The missile assault from Iran followed warnings from intelligence sources that such an attack was imminent. Israel’s defense forces worked to intercept the incoming missiles while citizens sought refuge in bomb shelters.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, framing the attack as retaliation for Israel’s earlier actions against Hezbollah’s leadership. The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a warning to its citizens, advising them to shelter in place, given the unstable security situation.
