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Iran Fires Over 200 Ballistic Missiles at Israel

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Iran’s Missile Barrage on Israel Escalates Tensions: Netanyahu Warns of Significant Retaliation

October 2, 2024 – Jerusalem, Israel

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Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a boiling point following a large-scale missile attack on Israel by Iran. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, marking the second direct attack on the country after a similar incident in April. The missile salvo comes in response to Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 and its ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran’s Retaliation

The Iranian missile attack targeted military bases around Tel Aviv and other critical infrastructure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the strikes were in direct retaliation for Nasrallah’s killing and for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was recently killed in a Tehran bombing widely attributed to Israel. Iranian officials framed the missile attack as an act of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing their right to retaliate after weeks of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

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Israel’s air defense systems struggled to fully intercept the barrage due to the saturation caused by the sheer number of ballistic missiles. While many projectiles were successfully intercepted, a large number managed to evade defense systems, making ground impact. Most of the missiles hit empty ground, but reportedly several struck an airbase hosting F-35 fighter jets. Another significant target was the Mossad headquarters. These incidents have revealed a vulnerability in Israel’s defenses to large-scale ballistic missile attacks.

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Israel and U.S. Vow Retaliation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly condemned the attack, calling it a “big mistake” by Iran. In a televised address, Netanyahu vowed that Israel would make Tehran “pay a heavy price” for its actions and hinted at direct retaliation against Iran. “We will strike powerfully across the Middle East, and Iran will feel the consequences of its aggression,” Netanyahu declared, warning that Israel’s military campaign would continue overnight. Israeli forces have already intensified their operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions.

The United States also weighed in, fully backing Israel in its defense against the missile strikes. U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the U.S. military actively supported Israel during the attack and reiterated Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security. “Make no mistake, the United States is fully supportive of Israel. Tehran will face severe consequences,” Biden warned, adding that he had already consulted with Netanyahu about a coordinated response. Pentagon officials confirmed that U.S. naval forces in the region assisted in intercepting some of the missiles aimed at Israel.

Iran’s Escalating Warnings

In a bold response, Iran’s Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, warned that if Israel launched further attacks, Iran would target “all infrastructure” across Israel. “This is only the beginning.

Any future Israeli aggression will be met with an even larger and more intense barrage,” Bagheri said on Iranian state television. Tehran has made it clear that their retaliation is over for now, unless Israel continues its military actions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi echoed these sentiments, stating that Iran had exercised “tremendous restraint” over the past two months and was forced to act due to Israeli provocations in Lebanon. He also cautioned that if Israel escalates, Iran’s response will be “stronger and more powerful.”

Regional and International Response

The missile attack has prompted widespread international concern. France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemned Iran’s actions and mobilized French military resources in the Middle East as a precaution.

In the UK, the government has arranged evacuation flights for its citizens from Lebanon, highlighting the volatility of the situation as fears of a broader conflict grow. Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also condemned the Iranian attack, calling it “unacceptable” and urging efforts to prevent further escalation.

European airlines, including Lufthansa and KLM, have extended their suspension of flights to Israel and Beirut, citing security concerns as violence intensifies in the region.

What’s Next for Israel and Iran?

The situation remains precarious, with Israel preparing for what could be a significant military response against Iran. Israeli defense officials have hinted at targeting key Iranian infrastructure, including military bases and missile production sites. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the rapidly escalating conflict.

While Israel’s air defense systems have largely shielded the country from major damage, the sheer scale of Iran’s attack exposed vulnerabilities in defending against such large-scale, ballistic missile attacks and reportedly a Hypersonic missile too.

With Hezbollah continuing to fire rockets into northern Israel and Iran openly challenging Israel’s military operations, the likelihood of a direct Israeli strike on Iran is growing. Netanyahu’s government is under pressure to retaliate decisively, and all indications point toward an imminent escalation in the conflict.

As tensions in the Middle East soar, both regional powers and international allies are bracing for the next phase in this intensifying Israel-Iran confrontation. The coming days will likely see major developments, with Netanyahu signaling that Israel’s response will not be limited to Lebanon but will likely involve a broader, more forceful military action directly against Iran.

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