In a significant escalation, Iran launched 181 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, triggering air raid sirens across the country and forcing millions of Israelis into bomb shelters. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting most of the missiles with their advanced defense systems, limiting the damage on the ground. Despite the intense barrage, casualties were minimal, with two Israelis injured by debris and one Palestinian killed in the West Bank.
Explosions were heard across central and southern Israel, with the most significant damage reported at a school in Gadera. Fortunately, no one was injured at the site. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the nation from a secure bunker, condemned the attack, declaring that Iran had made a “big mistake” and promising that “they will pay for it.”
The missile strike comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, including the killing of a Hezbollah leader. Iran had vowed retaliation, and the attack on Israel marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Netanyahu credited Israel’s air defense systems for thwarting the strike and expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance in detecting and intercepting missiles. The U.S. confirmed its involvement, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that the joint efforts had “successfully neutralized” much of Iran’s attack.
While the immediate threat appears to have subsided, Israel’s military has signaled that retaliation is imminent. Iran, in response, has canceled flights across the country and warned of a “crushing response” if Israel retaliates. The situation remains highly volatile as the region braces for possible further conflict.
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