Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, shortly after the United States warned of an imminent attack.
The missile assault, which unfolded in waves, targeted several major cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, overwhelming Israel’s defenses and sending millions of civilians scrambling to bomb shelters.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the attack began around 7:30 p.m. local time, when air raid sirens blared across the country.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, confirmed that the missiles were launched directly from Iran and said air defense systems were activated to intercept the incoming threat.
The Iranian Mission to the United Nations confirmed the strike on social media, stating that the assault was a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to recent Israeli actions, which Tehran claims involved targeting Iranian nationals and sovereignty.
The mission warned that further provocations from Israel would trigger an even more “crushing response.”
Nearly 200 missiles were fired at Israel during the hour-long attack, striking numerous population centers, according to Israeli authorities.
Footage aired on local KANN News captured the terrifying moments as fiery explosions lit up the sky above Tel Aviv, where the IDF’s headquarters and Nevatim Air Base are located.
Videos circulating on social media also showed missiles and shrapnel crashing into cities in southern Israel and the Sharon region.
The IDF reported at least two civilians in Tel Aviv were injured by shrapnel. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet convened in a secure bunker as missiles rained down on Israeli cities.
U.S. Issues Warnings, Vows Support
The attack came just hours after the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of an imminent Iranian strike, following days of escalating violence in the region.
On Monday, Israel began a series of raids into southern Lebanon targeting the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
The raids are said to have crippled Hezbollah’s command structure and killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
A White House official said the United States is “well-postured” to defend its personnel and allies in the region and will coordinate with Israel in the event of any further escalations.
The U.S. has moved additional military assets, including an aircraft carrier strike group, fighter jets, and other military equipment, to the region to bolster its defense posture.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a national security meeting Tuesday morning to discuss the potential threat from Iran.
After the attack, President Biden reiterated on social media that the U.S. is committed to supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.
“We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military strike from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,” the President said.
Attack Sparks Global Concerns, Calls for Retaliation
The missile attack on Israel is Tehran’s first direct military engagement against the Jewish state since April. Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles in a failed assault that was largely intercepted by Israeli defense systems, with assistance from the United States and regional allies.
Following Tuesday’s attack, U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), called for a forceful response against Iran.
Graham urged the Biden administration to work with Israel to “hit Iranian oil refineries hard,” noting that the regime relies on oil revenue to finance its militant operations.
“The missile attack against Israel should be the breaking point,” Graham stated, advocating for a coordinated response to deter Iran from further hostilities.
Former President Donald Trump was quick to weigh in on the escalating conflict, criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the situation.
“Look at the World today — Look at the missiles flying right now in the Middle East, look at what’s happening with Russia/Ukraine, look at Inflation destroying the World. NONE OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS PRESIDENT!” Trump posted on Facebook.
Israel Vows Retaliation as Tensions Escalate
As of late Tuesday evening, the Iranian mission to the UN announced the conclusion of the assault, but Israeli officials warned of a potential counteroffensive.
Rear Adm. Hagari vowed that the attacks would have consequences for Tehran.
“This fire will have consequences,” Hagari said in a statement. “We have plans, and we will act in the time and place that we choose.”
In the immediate aftermath of the missile strikes, the IDF issued a directive for all Israeli civilians to remain in their bunkers until further notice.
The Home Front Command, a safety protocol requiring citizens to stay within 90 seconds of protective shelters, remains in effect for all of central Israel and Jerusalem.
The Israeli government has also evacuated several border communities in Lebanon amid concerns of an expanded conflict with Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies in the region
The situation remains fluid, with local media reporting that the Israeli military has launched limited ground operations in southern Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah missile sites.
Rising Regional Instability
The cross-border conflict has reached a fever pitch as Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah continues to dismantle the militant group’s infrastructure.
The nearly yearlong conflict, which escalated further after Israel assassinated key Hezbollah leaders, has seen thousands of Lebanese civilians displaced and prompted international calls for a ceasefire.
Iranian Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei warned earlier this week that any attack on Iran or its allies would be met with a “crushing response.” His statement was followed by the deployment of several Iranian military units to bolster defenses along the country’s western frontier.
With the U.S. and Israel ramping up military presence in the region, the potential for a broader regional war looms large.
Netanyahu urged Israelis to “stand firm together in the trying days ahead” and stressed that Israel will “do whatever is necessary to protect our people and our nation.”