What we know about Iran's latest missile attack on Israel
The footage displays rockets launched in the direction of Tel Aviv.
Iran has fired hundreds of missiles at Israel, and some of these have hit Israeli land. This marks Iran's second assault on Israel this year, following a similar attack in April when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones.
Israeli military leaders indicated that the assaults seem to have ended, and there are no immediate threats from Iran. However, it's still uncertain how extensive the damage may have been.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that there will be repercussions following the assault.
Here’s what we’ve learned up to this point.
How Severe Was Iran's Attack?
According to the Israeli military, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israel. This marks a somewhat larger assault compared to the one in April, which involved around 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles aimed at Israel.
Video broadcast by Israeli television seemed to capture several missiles traveling over the Tel Aviv region just before 7:45 PM local time (4:45 PM GMT).
An Israeli security official reported that the majority of missiles were intercepted by the country's air defense systems. Meanwhile, a BBC reporter in Jerusalem noted that some military installations might have been affected, and there were also strikes on restaurants and schools.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed that 90% of the missiles they launched successfully struck their intended targets, noting that this was the first time hypersonic missiles were deployed. According to IRGC officials, three military installations in Israel were among those targeted.
The civil defense agency in the city of Jericho, located in the occupied West Bank, reported that a man was killed during the missile strikes from Iran.
As reported by the AFP news agency, city governor Hussein Hamayel stated that the individual lost their life due to debris from a fallen rocket.
Israeli authorities have stated that there were no significant injuries from the airstrikes on Tuesday. However, local medical personnel indicated that two individuals sustained minor injuries from flying debris.
What Motivated Iran's Attack On Israel?
The IRGC stated that the attacks were a reaction to Israel's assassination of one of its senior commanders and leaders of Iranian-supported militia groups in the area.
It reported on the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on September 27.
The piece also mentioned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last July. Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death, it is widely suspected that they were involved.
A high-ranking Iranian official informed the Reuters news agency that the Supreme Leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, personally authorized the missile strike on Tuesday.
Iran does not acknowledge Israel's legitimacy as a nation and aims for its destruction. For years, it has supported military groups that are against Israel.
Israel views Iran as a significant threat to its existence and has been conducting secret operations against Tehran for many years.
Did Iron Dome Stop The Missiles?
Israel has an advanced air defense system, with the Iron Dome being the most recognized component. This system is specifically built to target and intercept short-range rockets launched by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Although it played a role in countering certain aspects of Iran's recent assault in April, other parts of the nation’s "layered" defense systems likely handled most of the effort on Tuesday.
David's Sling is a collaborative system developed by the United States and Israel, designed to target medium to long-range rockets, along with ballistic and cruise missiles. For intercepting long-range ballistic missiles that travel beyond the Earth's atmosphere, Israel employs the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptor systems.
Reactions Of Israel's Allies Explained
US President Joe Biden reiterated America's backing for Israel following the missile strikes, characterizing the attack as "unsuccessful and ineffective."
He instructed his troops in the area to support Israel's defense and intercept Iranian missiles.
A representative from the Pentagon stated that US Navy destroyers launched approximately twelve interceptors to counter Iranian missiles that were targeting Israel.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also acknowledged that the US carried out "multiple" interceptions, denouncing "this unacceptable act of aggression by Iran."
The BBC has confirmed videos that depict missile interceptions taking place over Amman, the capital of Jordan. The country was also successful in shooting down several missiles during Iran's most recent attack in April.
The BBC reports that UK fighter planes assisted Israel on Tuesday, similar to their involvement in April.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that British troops had contributed to efforts aimed at stopping further escalation on Tuesday night, although he did not provide additional details.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed support for Israel, affirming its "right to defend itself."
France and Japan joined others in denouncing Iran's attacks and urged everyone involved to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
Netanyahu remarked that Iran had made a significant error and would face the consequences.
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Haggari stated, "We have strategies in place and will carry out our operations at the locations and times we choose."
Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared that if Israel took any retaliatory action, Tehran's reply would be even more devastating and destructive.
In the meantime, the Israeli military launched additional airstrikes in Beirut, aiming at Hezbollah positions during the night. They had previously advised residents to evacuate the southern neighborhoods of the city where the group operates.
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