On the 1st, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. The conflict between both sides, which had primarily taken the form of proxy battles, has significantly escalated into direct attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed revenge.
The attack began around 7:30 PM Israel time (1:30 AM Japan time on the 2nd), and the United States had warned, just a few hours earlier, that an attack was imminent. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), many of the missiles were intercepted. Reports indicated that one person was killed in the West Bank.
In recent days, Israel has conducted a series of attacks against Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in an airstrike on the capital Beirut. Furthermore, as part of operations against Hezbollah, Israel has launched a “targeted” ground invasion in southern Lebanon, with Iran’s attack on the 1st serving as a retaliatory measure. Iran had signaled it would retaliate against this attack, which is believed to have been carried out by Israel, following the assassination of Hamas political leader in Tehran in July.
A video captured by a verified user and authenticated by AP shows the interception over Jerusalem (October 1).
Source: Bloomberg
There is still no independent assessment of the damage from the attacks on the 1st. Both Israel and the United States have stated that the damage was limited, but Iranian state television cited information from the Revolutionary Guard indicating that 90% of the missiles hit strategic targets. Videos showing the airstrikes indicated that some of the missiles penetrated Israel’s coveted air defense network.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated at the beginning of a security cabinet meeting, “Iran made a big mistake tonight. They will pay the price.” He added, “The Iranian government does not understand our resolve to defend our country and retaliate against our enemies.”
A few hours later, the IDF announced it had launched new attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Explosions Heard in Israel as Iran Launches Missile Attack
Sources: Israel Defense Forces, Iranian state-run media
On the 1st, President Biden met with Vice President Harris and the national security team, as announced by the White House. They reviewed preparations to assist Israel’s defense against attacks from Iran and to protect American citizens residing in the Middle East.
National Security Advisor Sullivan referred to the attack as a “major escalation” by Iran and noted that the United States is collaborating with Israel to implement countermeasures. President Biden indicated that the attack has been “broken and neutralized,” and ordered U.S. military support for Israel’s defense. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that a naval destroyer launched intercept missiles.
Bruce Riedel, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Middle East Policy, said, “We are at the brink of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. If this happens, Lebanon will suffer catastrophic damage, and Israel will endure great pain.” Riedel, who has held senior positions in U.S. intelligence, added, “If Iran intervenes, the risks will spread throughout the Middle East.”
Concerns have begun to spread over a potential disruption of supplies from the energy-rich Middle East, leading to a more than 5% surge in oil prices.
Iran had also directly attacked Israel in April. The previous assault was known in advance, allowing for minimal damage. With support from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Jordan, Israel could intercept most projectiles. Under U.S. pressure, Israel’s retaliatory attacks were limited to targeting Iranian air bases.
Original Title: Iran Missile Attack on Israel Spurs Swift Promise to Retaliate, Iran Launches Ballistic Missiles at Israel as US Vows to Defend (excerpt)
(The statements from Prime Minister Netanyahu will be updated.))