Iran fired around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in what appears to be retaliation for Israel’s recent military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack caused air raid sirens to sound across Israel and residents were told to shelter in place.
The attack, which began at 7:31 p.m. local time, filled the skies over cities like Tel Aviv with explosions as Israel’s Iron Dome defense system began intercepting incoming missiles.
Video footage shared on social media showed a barrage of missiles streaking through the sky. Though Israel’s Iron Dome appeared to be active, footage also showed multiple impacts on the ground. Majority of impacts are believed to have occurred in the Negev region, which is predominantly desert.
Israeli officials confirmed that three buildings were directly hit, and the IDF later reported that no fatalities occurred, but two people were treated for minor injuries from shrapnel. Palestinian media reported that a man was killed by missile shrapnel in the West Bank village of Nu’eima, near Jericho. Near the Jordanian capital of Amman, debris and wreckage from an Iranian long-range ballistic missile landed, resulting in several reported casualties to the north of the city.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that U.S. naval destroyers and Israeli air defense units worked together to intercept the missiles. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly monitored the situation from the White House and have pledged continued support for Israel’s defense.
Sullivan noted that the missile attack was largely “defeated and ineffective,” but he warned of “severe consequences” for Iran’s actions. The U.S. is now reportedly working with Israel to determine the next steps in response to this attack.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel had recently communicated to Iran through back channels that it would respond to any attack on its territory, regardless of the scale or presence of casualties. Strikes on Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities were specifically mentioned as potential responses.
Gas stations across Iran are reportedly experiencing miles-long lines as Iranians rush to fill up ahead of a potential Israeli attack that could target the country’s oil industry.
In a separate incident shortly before the missile strike, six people were killed and nine injured in a shooting and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv. Israeli police said two gunmen were involved, and both were killed at the scene. The attack is being investigated for potential links to the larger conflict. Viewer Discretion Advised.
