The sky over Israel lit up in an eerie light as Iran fired a massive barrage of at least 180 rockets late Tuesday night, marking another dangerous chapter in the long-running conflict between the two nations. The attack comes amid a volatile situation in the Middle East threatening to escalate into a full-scale regional war.
Like air raid sirens exploded across Israel overnight, residents rushed to bomb shelters, seeing the trail of rockets lighting up the night sky. Despite the scale of the attack, Israel reported only minor damage and a few injuries. However, the psychological impact was significant as the nation warned of potential further escalation.
In the West Bank, one person was killed amid the chaos, although the exact circumstances remained unclear. Meanwhile, Israel has vowed a swift retaliatory strike, warning that Iran has crossed the border.
Iran declared its missile attack complete but issued a warning with Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi telling X: “Our action is over unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful.”
The missile attack heightened tensions that had been escalating for months. Israel has recently been targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon in response to the group’s constant rocket fire. The Israeli military had even carried out a “limited ground incursion” into southern Lebanon to stop attacks by the Iran-backed militant group, which reflected the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas, with significant support from Iran, remained steadfast in their attacks. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its rocket fire until Israel agrees to a cease-fire in Gaza. However, Israel remains determined to strike Hezbollah until displaced residents from the northern border can safely return home.
The United States reaffirmed its support for Israel, vowing that Iran would face “severe consequences” for the missile attack. The international community also responded, with the UN Security Council scheduling an emergency meeting and the European Union calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent a wider war.
