Explosions have been reported across Israel after Iran claimed to have launched dozens of ballistic missiles at the country.
The Israeli military confirmed numerous interceptions but acknowledged a “few hits” in central and southern regions. They warned Iran that the missile strike would carry “consequences.”
Israeli paramedics reported that two people in the Tel Aviv area suffered minor injuries from shrapnel.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the missile barrage was in retaliation for the recent killings of leaders from Hezbollah, Hamas, and a senior Iranian commander. They also warned of more “crushing attacks” if Israel retaliated.
The missile strike came hours after Israeli forces initiated an invasion into southern Lebanon, targeting what the Israeli military described as “Hezbollah terror targets” in border villages, aiming to eliminate threats to northern Israeli residents.
This escalation follows almost a year of cross-border tensions triggered by the conflict in Gaza, with Israel aiming to secure the return of residents displaced by Hezbollah’s attacks.
Amidst fears of a wider regional war, possibly drawing in the US and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating, “We are in the midst of a campaign against Iran’s axis of evil… Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will win.”
A senior White House official also issued a stern warning, stating, “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
This attack follows a similar incident in April when Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in response to a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria.
Most were intercepted by Israel and its Western and Arab allies, although minor damage was reported at an Israeli air base.
The recent missile launch is believed to be linked to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to avenge.
“The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront,” Khamenei stated.
Iran has built a network of allied armed groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and Shia militias, who often refer to themselves as the “Axis of Resistance,” opposing Israel and the US.
Source-BBC
