The conflict between Israel and Iran reached a new level as Iran fired over 200 missiles into Israel, marking the largest missile barrage in the history of the two countries’ hostilities. Israeli defense systems, supported by the U.S., intercepted most of the missiles, though several managed to hit targets in southern and central Israel.
The attack was reportedly in retaliation for Israel’s recent airstrikes that killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and several top Iranian military commanders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking after the missile strike, warned that Iran would face retaliation. “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it,” he said, while also issuing a broader warning to Iran’s allies in the region.
In recent weeks, Israel launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon aimed at pushing Hezbollah forces farther from the border. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction in Lebanon, with over 1,000 people killed and over a million displaced. Hezbollah has continued to fire rockets into Israel, refusing to back down without a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
President Joe Biden assured Israel of U.S. support, stating that American military forces had helped defend Israel during the attack. Biden emphasized that the U.S. would remain “fully supportive” of Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian aggression.
With tensions escalating, the U.N. Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session to address the growing threat of broader conflict across the Middle East.
