Israel vows retaliation after Iran’s missile barrage on Tel Aviv
RAMAT GAN, ISRAEL - JUNE 8: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Sheba Tel-HaShomer Medical Centre on June 8, 2024 in Ramat Gan, Israel. Earlier today, the country's military announced the rescue of four hostages kidnapped by Palestinian militants on Oct. 7 - Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv - and since held in Gaza. Around 120 other Israeli hostages are said to remain in Gaza, but it's unclear how many are alive. (Photo by Jack Guez -Pool/Getty Images)
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran unleashed a barrage of nearly 200 missiles toward Tel Aviv on Tuesday, prompting Israel to pledge swift retaliation.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boasted that 90% of the missiles successfully struck their intended targets, but Israel’s defense systems intercepted most, with some landing in central and southern Israel.
This latest flare-up follows Israel’s ground invasion in southern Lebanon aimed at countering the threat posed by Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to hit back. “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it,”
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US President Joe Biden reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel, as the White House vowed “severe consequences” for Iran’s aggression, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community has urged restraint and a ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation, emphasizing, “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.” The UK, a key ally of Israel, expressed steadfast backing to Israel’s security and denounced the Iranian attack.
Meanwhile, the conflict has exacted a heavy humanitarian toll. According to Lebanese government statistics released on Tuesday, nearly 1,900 people have been killed and over 9,000 injured in Lebanon over nearly a year of cross-border fighting, with the majority of casualties occurring in the past two weeks.
