JERUSALEM. Iran fired at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday night. This attack, part of a growing regional conflict between Israel, Iran, and their allies, brings the Middle East closer to an all-out war.
The orange glow of missile trails lit up Israel’s night sky as air raid sirens wailed and residents rushed to bomb shelters. Many of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses, though some hit areas in central and southern Israel, causing minor injuries. Israel’s national rescue service reported two people lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was killed near Jericho by a missile, though the source of the attack remains unclear.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly, warning Tehran that it had made a “big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.” Netanyahu’s remarks came amid heightened tensions after Israel recently launched a series of attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, a group backed by Iran.
Retaliatory Strikes and Ongoing Conflict
The missile strike was seen as retaliation for Israel’s recent attacks that killed high-ranking leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military. Among the casualties were Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel’s response included limited ground operations in southern Lebanon, and Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Israel would continue to strike Hezbollah until the border region is deemed safe for civilians.
Iran, meanwhile, vowed to intensify its attacks if Israel continues its military actions. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces joint chief of staff, stated that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is ready to retaliate with “multiplied intensity” against Israeli infrastructure.
Broader Regional and Global Implications
The conflict has drawn international attention. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described Iran’s missile attack as a “significant escalation,” though he noted that it was largely “defeated and ineffective,” thanks in part to U.S. military assistance in intercepting many of the missiles. President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel, stating that the administration is in “active discussion” about a response to Tehran.
An emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council is set for Wednesday to address the escalating violence in the Middle East.
Earlier on Tuesday, a separate shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead. Israeli police reported that the suspects involved in the attack were killed.
With tensions at a boiling point and both sides exchanging fire, the situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation across the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
