Iran has claimed responsibility for firing dozens of ballistic missiles into Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militias, including Hezbollah and Hamas.
This development follows heightened tensions in the region, with Israel ordering its citizens to seek shelter as air raid sirens sounded across the country on Tuesday.
Residents reported hearing a series of explosions in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it remains unclear whether these were caused by incoming missiles or Israeli defenses intercepting them. No casualties have been reported thus far.
Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that the country’s air defense system was fully operational and effectively detecting and intercepting threats, but he cautioned, “the defense is not hermetic.”
In response to the missile strikes, the Israeli government sent shelter-in-place alerts to mobile phones and announced the situation on national television.
Iran’s state television broadcast a statement asserting its responsibility for the missile launch, referencing the recent deaths of key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas due to Israeli airstrikes.
The Iranian statement ominously warned that this attack represented only a “first wave,” suggesting more aggression could follow.
The missile strikes come a day after Israel commenced limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, further escalating military activities in the region. Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Lebanese villages, prompting Hezbollah to respond with rocket fire into Israel.
Amid growing fears of a wider regional war, a senior U.S. official warned of severe consequences should Iran continue its aggressive posture. The U.S. has positioned ships and aircraft in the area to support Israel in case of further attack
Hagari urged the Israeli public to stay near shelters, emphasizing the potential for widespread Iranian strikes. As military tensions rise, questions linger about the possibility of an all-out conflict that could draw in regional powers and destabilize the situation further.