Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, responding to Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, allies of Tehran. Sirens echoed across Israel, with explosions heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley, prompting civilians to rush into bomb shelters. Reporters broadcasting live from the scene took cover as missiles rained down.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that “tens of missiles” had been fired and warned of a harsher response if Israel retaliated. A senior Iranian official confirmed that the decision to attack was ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who remains in a secure location.
Following the attack, Israel shut down its airspace. Observers, including Reuters journalists, witnessed missiles being intercepted over neighboring Jordan. Israeli military radio reported that nearly 200 missiles were launched from Iran. Prior to the assault, Israel had warned its citizens that a widespread attack from Iran was possible, urging the public to seek refuge in safe rooms.
The conflict escalated after Israel initiated limited ground raids into Lebanon, marking its most significant military operation since last year’s Gaza conflict. This follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that decimated Hezbollah’s leadership, with more than a thousand Lebanese casualties and widespread displacement.
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated America’s support for Israel, stating that the U.S. is prepared to defend its ally against Iranian missile strikes. He also emphasized the importance of protecting U.S. personnel in the region.
The missile strikes are seen as a direct response to Israel’s killing of Muhammad Jaafar Qasir, a key Hezbollah commander involved in weapons transfers from Iran. As tensions rise, many fear the conflict could spread across the region, despite U.S. efforts to contain the violence.
The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with hundreds dead and civilians mourning the loss of loved ones. Abdulhamid Ramadan, a resident of Sidon, expressed his grief after losing his daughter and wife in an Israeli strike, saying, “My whole life changed in a second.”
Despite the heavy toll, resistance remains strong in Lebanon. “All of Lebanon is determined to fight Israel,” said Abu Alaa, a Sidon resident. Hezbollah, with deep ties to Iran, is Lebanon’s most formidable military force and continues to resist Israeli incursions.
Israel, meanwhile, is preparing for the potential expansion of the conflict, calling up reserve brigades and continuing operations on its northern border. U.N. peacekeepers reported sporadic Israeli incursions but have not yet witnessed a full-scale invasion.
As the conflict intensifies, many fear the war could engulf the region, threatening lives on both sides of the border.