Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel: What Happened and Why?
In a surprise attack, Tehran deployed ballistic missiles targeting Israel, firing weapons with calculated trajectories designed to stay within the atmosphere’s limits. This is not the first time such an attack has occurred; earlier this year, Iran used similar missiles to strike Israeli targets. The details of the timing and nature of this escalation indicate that Iran’s actions were meant to send a clear message of military strength.
Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel amid rising tensions due to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. While many missiles were intercepted, some damaged an Israeli school. Iran claimed its strikes targeted military sites. In response, Israeli officials threatened retaliation, increasing concerns about further conflict in the already volatile region.
Context of the Conflict
The backdrop for this regional escalation lies in Israel’s war on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians since Hamas militants attacked on October 7, 2023, killing over a thousand Israelis. As Israel faces allegations of genocide at the world’s highest court, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expanded their operations into Lebanon, heavily bombing the area. World powers had predicted this growing conflict as a reaction to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Lebanon’s Role in the Conflict and Hezbollah’s Response
Lebanon, home to Iran’s key regional ally Hezbollah, has been a significant player in this conflict. In response to the bloodshed in Gaza, Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel, intensifying the situation. Recently, the conflict took a more dangerous turn when thousands of pagers and walkie-talkie radios used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon, killing scores and wounding thousands, including civilians. This incident occurred just before Israel assassinated the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
In July, the Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was also killed in an attack in the Iranian capital, which was attributed to Israel. Consequently, Israeli attacks have devastated southern Beirut and nearby villages, displacing over one million people—about a fifth of Lebanon’s population—due to the violence.
Impact of Iran’s Missile Strikes
The impact of the recent damage from Iran’s missile strikes is still being assessed. On Wednesday, the IDF confirmed that several of its airbases were hit, and images posted by Israelis revealed large craters in the central and southern parts of the country. While no injuries have been reported in Israel, one person was killed in the occupied West Bank, according to local authorities.
Iran stated that its attack targeted military installations, but at least one rocket hit an Israeli school. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden described the Iranian attack as “ineffective,” downplaying the overall threat.
Iran’s Stance on Future Attacks
Iran has declared that its attacks are now over, although it claims to have more missiles ready to fire if Israel decides to respond. This statement suggests a willingness to escalate the situation further if provoked.
In response, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Tehran has made a “big mistake.” He vowed that “it will pay” for its actions, indicating that Israel will not let the recent aggression go unanswered and is prepared for any further developments.
Details of the Missile Attack
On Tuesday night, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. The Israeli military reported that while most of the missiles were intercepted, a small number struck central and southern Israel. Tragically, the only fatality reported was a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank. This incident marks Iran’s second attack on Israel this year, following an earlier launch of about 300 missiles and drones in April.
The IDF stated that the attack involved over 180 missiles, corroborating Iranian state media reports of around 200 missiles launched. The U.S. government indicated that this recent attack was “nearly twice the scope” of what occurred in April. As the threat loomed, sirens sounded, warning Israel’s entire 10 million population to seek shelter around 19:30 local time. Verified videos showed missiles flying over the densely populated cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with explosions heard as air defenses worked to intercept the incoming missiles. Some missiles reportedly struck near Nevatim airbase in the Negev desert and the Mossad spy agency’s headquarters near Tel Aviv. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that there were a small number of hits in central and southern Israel but emphasized that no weapons, aircraft, or critical infrastructure were damaged, and the air force’s operational capabilities remained intact. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the missiles hit several airbases and military assets in Israel. Notably, the semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that Iran utilized Fattah hypersonic missiles, which it claims “cannot be intercepted,” alongside Emad and Qadr ballistic missiles.
Effectiveness of Israel’s Iron Dome
The IDF has not provided exact details on how many missiles were intercepted or how many landed during the recent attacks. However, the IDF previously claimed that 99% of the Iranian projectiles launched in the April attack were intercepted successfully.
Israel employs a sophisticated system of air defenses, with the Iron Dome being the most well-known, designed primarily to intercept short-range rockets fired by groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. While the Iron Dome was part of the defense against some elements of Iran’s last attack in April, it is likely that other components of Israel’s “layered” defense systems handled most of the interceptions during this recent attack. Systems such as David’s Sling, which targets medium to long-range rockets, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptors for long-range ballistic missiles also played a critical role. Additionally, the Pentagon reported that two U.S. Navy destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean fired several interceptors to help defend Israel, though it remains unknown if any missiles were taken down. Meanwhile, the U.K. Defence Secretary, John Healey, noted that British forces contributed to efforts aimed at preventing further escalation, but British military jets did not shoot down any Iranian missiles. Verified footage indicated that missile interceptions also occurred over the Jordanian capital, Amman, where the Arab kingdom’s forces successfully shot down several missiles during Iran’s previous attack in April.
What Has Been the International Reaction?
In the wake of the missile attack, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel, stating that the missile attack was defeated and deemed ineffective. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also condemned what he described as “this outrageous act of aggression by Iran.”
In the U.K., Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with Israel, recognizing its “right to self-defense.” Similarly, France and Japan condemned Iran’s attack while urging all parties to avoid further escalation.
Did Iran Warn the U.S. That It Was Going to Attack?
Before the attack, the U.S. informed Israel that it had intelligence indicating that Iran was preparing to launch ballistic missiles imminently. This allowed the IDF to alert Israeli civilians to be prepared to seek shelter. However, U.S. officials stated after the attack that they had received no warning from the Iranian government. Iran’s mission to the U.N. confirmed this, saying, “No notice was given to the United States prior to our response.”
Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal reported that Arab officials claimed Iran had “telegraphed” to Arab countries on Monday night that it was planning an attack similar in scale to April’s. In turn, Israeli officials indicated that Israel had sent clear messages back to Iran, stating it would respond to any attack on its territory with a strike targeting Iranian nuclear or oil facilities.
What Happens Next?
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi will need to determine the exact price Iran will pay and demonstrate precise and surprising offensive capabilities in accordance with directives from the political echelon. Axios cited Israeli officials who said that Israel’s response would be “significant,” potentially targeting oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites. Some analysts even suggested that Iran’s nuclear facilities could also be on the table. President Biden stated that the U.S. was “fully supportive of Israel” and would discuss a response with Israel’s prime minister. Meanwhile, the IRGC warned that Iran’s response would be “crushing” if Israel dared to retaliate. Notably, Israel had previously responded to the April attack by launching a missile that hit an air defense battery at an Iranian airbase, despite Western calls for restraint.
How Has Israel Reacted?
In response to the missile attack, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his cabinet meeting on Tuesday night, stating that Iran’s missile attack had failed and was thwarted thanks to Israel’s air defense array. He emphasized, “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it.” He further remarked that the regime in Iran does not grasp Israel’s determination to defend itself and retaliate against its enemies.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also expressed a strong commitment to vengeance, declaring, “Iran has not learned a simple lesson—those who attack the state of Israel pay a heavy price.” This statement underscores Israel’s resolve to respond decisively to any threats against its security.
What to Know About Iran’s Missile Attack and Israel’s Operations in Lebanon and Gaza
Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel resulted in few casualties and caused little damage, marking a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In retaliation, Israel has vowed to respond against Iran. At the heart of the recent escalation is the nearly year-long war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Palestinian officials report that Israel launched air and ground operations in the southern city of Khan Younis early Wednesday, leading to the deaths of more than 50 people.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces are conducting what they describe as limited ground incursions into southern Lebanon. On Wednesday, Hezbollah reported that its fighters had engaged in battles with Israeli troops near the border, and the Israeli military confirmed that eight of its soldiers, including at least one commando, were killed in the fighting. Iran’s decision to launch missiles toward Israel was influenced by recent significant setbacks suffered by its militant allies, known as the Axis of Resistance. This includes Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several senior commanders, highlighting Israel’s deep penetration of the group’s intelligence operations. Additionally, Israel has conducted extensive bombings in Lebanon, targeting militant locations, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including many women and children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Types of Missiles Used in Iran’s Attack
In the recent missile attack on Israel, Iranian state media reported the use of several types of ballistic missiles, including the Emad, Ghadr, and Iran’s new Fattah missile.
Fattah Missile
The Fattah, meaning “Conqueror” in Farsi, is particularly notable, with officials claiming last year that it can travel at speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 1,400 kilometers (approximately 870 miles). Missile experts analyzing footage of the missile remnants after the attack suggested that the Fattah was among the missiles used.
Maneuverability Concerns
There are ongoing questions regarding how maneuverable the Fattah is as it re-enters the atmosphere. A more irregular flight path could make it more difficult for defensive systems to intercept the missile effectively.
Israeli Response
The Israeli military reported that it intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles using its multitiered air defense system. However, some missiles did land in central and southern Israel, resulting in two individuals suffering light injuries from shrapnel. Notably, one of the missiles killed a Palestinian worker from Gaza, who had been stranded in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since the onset of the war.
Latest on Israel’s Operations in Lebanon
Hezbollah Clashes
On Wednesday, Hezbollah fighters engaged in clashes with Israeli troops near the border, marking the first ground combat since the start of the Israeli incursion.
Israeli Military Actions
The Israeli military stated that its ground forces, supported by airstrikes, killed militants in “close-range engagements,” though they did not specify the locations of these operations.
Limited Ground Incursions
Israel announced that it had launched limited ground incursions into Lebanon to locate and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. However, there are indications that a broader offensive may be in the works.
Casualties
In the recent fighting, eight Israeli soldiers were reported killed, including seven in two separate attacks. Earlier, a 22-year-old captain in a commando brigade was also killed.
Military Build-up
Israel has mobilized thousands of troops, tanks, and artillery to the border in recent days, issuing evacuation warnings to residents of approximately 50 villages and towns in a U.N.-declared buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Residents have been instructed to relocate more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the border. This has resulted in thousands of Syrians and Lebanese fleeing to Syria to escape the ongoing airstrikes.
Lebanese Army Confirmation
The Lebanese army confirmed that Israeli forces had advanced about 400 meters across the border but subsequently withdrew after a short period.
Continued Hostilities
Both sides have been exchanging fire, with Israeli warplanes targeting locations in Beirut and artillery strikes aimed at border targets. Since last October, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets, missiles, and drones into Israel in support of Palestinian groups, including Hamas.
Summary
The situation in Lebanon remains tense, with Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and ongoing exchanges of fire. The potential for escalation continues as both sides prepare for further confrontations.
