Iran launches hundreds of missiles, drones in first direct attack on Israel
Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel in its first direct attack on Israeli territory, in a retaliatory assault that wounded a seven-year-old girl and caused minor damage at an Israeli military facility.
The assault, launched late on Saturday night, saw hundreds of projectiles targeting Israeli territory, resulting in air raid sirens blaring across cities like Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem. The Israeli military reported intercepting over 99 percent of the incoming drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles, with assistance from allied forces. The attack caused minor damage at an Israeli military base and wounded a seven-year-old girl in southern Israel.
According to the Israeli military, the missiles and drones were launched not only from Iran but also from Iraq and Yemen. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack, attributing it to Operation True Promise and citing retaliation for the recent targeting of the Iranian consulate in Syria. The IRGC stated that the assault was in response to what it deemed as an act of aggression by the “Zionist entity.”
Following the attack, Iran’s mission to the United Nations declared the matter “concluded” but issued a warning of a “considerably more severe” response should Israel provoke further hostilities. Additionally, Iran cautioned the United States against involvement in the conflict.
This escalation comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and recent incidents involving long-range attacks on Israeli targets from multiple fronts. The international community, including Western countries and regional powers like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, has condemned Iran’s actions, with calls for restraint and urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
In response to the attack, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s support for Israel’s security and held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Pentagon assured Israel of full US support against any threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session at Israel’s request to address the escalating situation. While various countries expressed concern over the potential for further escalation, Russia highlighted Iran’s assertion of its right to self-defense under the UN Charter.
China called for calm and restraint, emphasizing the need to end Israel’s conflict in Gaza. Analysts view Iran’s attack as a calculated move to assert its deterrence capabilities without triggering a broader conflict. However, there are concerns that the escalation could exacerbate tensions in Gaza, leading to further violence and instability in the region.
