Tension Escalates as Iran Launches Missile Attack on Israel

Tel Aviv — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation for the recent missile attack by Iran, stating that Tehran would “pay for it,” according to a statement released shortly after the attack occurred. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to self-defense, declaring, “Whoever attacks, we will attack them.”

The incident unfolded as Iran launched at least 180 ballistic missiles towards Israel on Tuesday evening, prompting nationwide alerts and sending residents to shelters. The projectiles were observed entering Israeli airspace, impacting areas from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari reported that many of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, though some did manage to land in southern and central Israel.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that American forces in the Middle East participated in defending Israel against the assault. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Austin condemned the missile strikes as “an outrageous act of aggression by Iran.” Following multiple waves of interception, the Israeli populace was cleared to exit shelters approximately 45 minutes after the attack began.

Israeli rescue services reported two individuals sustaining non-serious shrapnel injuries. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities confirmed the death of a Palestinian man in Jericho, potentially due to a missile strike; however, the origin of the missile was not confirmed by The Associated Press.

In response to media inquiries, an Israeli military spokesman declined to address reports suggesting that some missiles targeted air bases, causing non-critical damage to administrative facilities. Iran’s mission to the United Nations characterized the missile launch as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to Israeli actions perceived as targeting Iranian nationals and interests.

These developments follow a string of airstrikes reportedly conducted by Israel in southern Lebanon and Beirut, resulting in significant displacement and casualties, including the death of key figures such as Ismail Haniyeh and an IRGC commander, according to sources from Lebanon’s government and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Had Mohamed, a senior reporter for the Iranian newspaper Khorasan, remarked to CBS News that Iran had exercised restraint following previous aggressions but perceived these actions as necessitating a forceful response.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stern warning through state media, cautioning against support for Israel and threatening “severe consequences” for continued Israeli military actions.

Statements from Iran’s military leadership suggested that retaliatory actions against Israel could intensify if further provoked. Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri detailed that Iranian forces were poised to target Israeli infrastructure should hostilities continue.

Israeli officials have yet to articulate a comprehensive response strategy, committing only to retaliate “at a time and place” of their choosing. The Israeli government has expressed concerns about the potential escalation of conflict into a larger regional confrontation.

Speaking to reporters, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint and emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire, while U.S. President Joe Biden, addressing the media, stated that discussions with Israeli allies would continue, urging proportional responses to Iran’s missile assault.