Iran has launched a significant ballistic missile attack on Israel, in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, according to a Reuters report.
The missile salvo, marking a major escalation in regional tensions, triggered alarms across Israel, with explosions heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley.
Israeli citizens were urged to seek shelter, while reporters on state television were seen taking cover during live broadcasts.
Reports suggest that as many as 100 missiles were launched, with some intercepted over Jordanian airspace. This escalation follows Israel’s first ground raids into Lebanon in 18 years, where Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah positions, killing several of the group’s top commanders. In response, Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, vowed a large-scale retaliation, leading to today’s missile strikes.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesman, described the situation as the most severe escalation since the 2023 Gaza conflict. He urged citizens to take safety measures amid expectations of further large-scale strikes.
The conflict has already resulted in more than a thousand Lebanese civilian deaths and the displacement of over a million people.
With tensions between Iran and Israel now at a critical point, the risk of the conflict spilling over into neighboring countries has heightened, despite international efforts, particularly by the United States, to prevent further violence. Fears of a broader regional war are mounting as both sides prepare for continued hostilities.
Source: Shafaqna India