New Delhi : On Tuesday night, Iran launched a significant missile strike, firing 181 ballistic missiles at Israel, which activated air raid sirens nationwide and compelled nearly 10 million Israelis to take shelter. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that many of the missiles were intercepted by its cutting-edge defense systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow. Nonetheless, a few missiles bypassed these defenses, causing minor damages and light injuries.
Immediate Reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the attack, asserting that Iran had made a “big mistake” and warned that Tehran would “pay for it.” This missile barrage marks Iran’s second direct strike on Israel this year, following a similar incident in April that was swiftly thwarted by Israeli defenses. According to Iranian officials, the missile attacks were in retaliation for the recent deaths of high-ranking Hezbollah and Hamas leaders due to Israeli military actions.
US Warning of Major Consequences
In light of the missile strike, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a serious warning to Iran, categorizing the attack as a “significant escalation” with “severe consequences” to follow. During a White House press briefing, Sullivan affirmed the US’s commitment to supporting Israel and its retaliatory actions. US President Joe Biden echoed this support, stating that military discussions were in progress to determine an adequate response and assured that the US would assist in Israel’s defense against further Iranian missile threats. When questioned about the extent of US involvement, Biden remarked that talks about a joint response were “active” and “ongoing.”
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran took responsibility for the missile assault, which targeted three Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated the attack concluded unless Israel escalated further, with the IRGC warning of “crushing attacks” should Israel retaliate. Although most missiles were intercepted, there were some reports of damage and injuries. In Tel Aviv, two civilians suffered minor injuries from shrapnel, while a Palestinian civilian in Jericho died from debris. The Israeli military quickly communicated that the immediate danger had subsided, allowing civilians to exit bomb shelters after an hour.
Regional and Global Ramifications
The missile strike from Tehran raises concerns of a larger regional conflict. In response to the escalation, Israeli forces executed ground raids in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. Lebanese officials reported that Israeli airstrikes recently killed at least 55, further adding to the increasing death toll since hostilities surged in early October. Lebanon’s health ministry reported over 1,800 fatalities since the conflict’s onset, with hundreds of thousands displaced across the region. The risk of more confrontations between Israel and Iranian-supported factions in Lebanon and Gaza has alarmed the international community.
Global Reactions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the missile strike, urgently calling for a ceasefire and expressing concern over the potential widening conflict in the Middle East. “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire,” he stated.
