Israeli military says more than 55 rockets fired from Lebanon to Israel
In a significant escalation of long-standing tensions, Iran has launched a series of drone and missile attacks against Israel. This action by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) is in retaliation for a recent attack on its consulate in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of seven IRGC officers. The Iranian forces claimed that the strikes were targeted at specific locations, implying a calculated response rather than indiscriminate aggression.
Responding promptly, the Israeli military intercepted the majority of the incoming threats, including cruise missiles and drones, with some defenses activated outside of Israeli airspace. This marked a rare instance of direct confrontation in what has typically been a shadow war between the two nations.
Israel’s Prime Minister convened an emergency war cabinet session following the onset of the attacks, highlighting the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, described the assault as a major escalation, involving over 200 drones and missiles. He reassured the public that the defense systems, along with regional and international allies, were effectively managing the threat.
Despite the effectiveness of the air defenses, minor damages were reported on a military base, and a young girl in the southern Arad region was injured by shrapnel. The regional geopolitical landscape has also reacted, with neighboring countries tightening their airspace security and ramping up their alert systems.
Global reactions were swift, with leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, and other nations expressing their support for Israel and condemning the aggression by Iran. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security in response to the threats posed by Iran and its allies.
The international community, represented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed grave concern over the attacks, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging all parties to exercise restraint. The global consensus reflects the widespread desire to prevent further escalation into a broader conflict, echoing sentiments that the region and the world cannot afford another war.