Israel Vows Retaliation After Iran’s Missile Attack
Israel has threatened to retaliate after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at its territory, with Tehran warning of further attacks if provoked. The attack, which saw most missiles intercepted, targeted military bases around Tel Aviv and elsewhere.
President Joe Biden pledged US support for Israel, stating that discussions on a response are underway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran’s “action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation.”
Iran’s attack was in response to Israel’s killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israeli medics reported two people lightly injured, while a Palestinian was killed in Jericho by rocket debris.
The US condemned Iran’s “outrageous act of aggression,” with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warning of “severe consequences.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to make Iran “pay” for the attack.
The escalation follows a week of air strikes in Lebanon, killing hundreds. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 55 additional deaths on Tuesday. The UN has called for a ceasefire, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating, “This must stop.”
Iran-backed Hezbollah denied any troops crossed the border into Israel. The Pentagon is boosting US forces in the Middle East by “a few thousand” troops.
The conflict has displaced nearly one million people in Lebanon, with authorities registering almost 240,000 crossings into Syria since September 23. The escalating violence has killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon since September 17.
