Netanyahu vows retaliation after Iran’s missile strike on Israel
Iran fires 200 missiles at Israel, Netanyahu promises swift retaliation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against Tehran hours after Iran initiated a missile strike on Tuesday. Netanyahu declared, “Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it,” during a late-night Security Cabinet meeting.
Iran fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel, marking the latest escalation in a long-standing conflict between Israel, Iran, and its Arab allies. The missiles streaked across the night sky, with air raid sirens blaring as residents rushed to bomb shelters.
Early on Wednesday, Iran announced it had completed its missile attack on Israel unless further provoked. The US promised retribution against Tehran’s escalation, heightening fears of a wider conflict.
Missile strike media reports
Iran’s state TV reported the attack targeted air and radar bases and security apparatus linked to the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures. Iran asserted its right to self-defence under international law.
Netanyahu described the missile strike as a failure and warned Iran would soon learn a painful lesson, similar to previous adversaries in Gaza and Lebanon. “Whoever attacks us, we attack them,” he stated.
Israel claimed to have intercepted many missiles, with US destroyers aiding in its defence.
Iran maintained that most of its missiles hit their targets. The Revolutionary Guard claimed a 90 per cent success rate.
Iranian state TV broadcast images of celebratory scenes in Arak, Qom, and Tehran following the missile attack.
General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces joint chief of staff, warned that Iran would target Israel’s infrastructure if provoked further. He stated the Revolutionary Guard was ready to escalate the attack with increased intensity.
Israeli military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, reported no injuries from the missile strike. He confirmed that Israel’s air defences intercepted many missiles, though some landed in central and southern parts of the country.
US President Joe Biden expressed full support for Israel after thwarting the Iranian missile attack and mentioned he was in active discussions with aides about an appropriate response.
The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on the escalating Middle East situation for Wednesday at 10am, following requests from France and Israel.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports Iran says it has concluded its missile attack on Israel, despite fears of escalating regional conflict, amid heightened tensions. (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reports on Iran’s missile attack on Israel as a retaliation for recent killings, highlighting interregional tensions, military responses, and global reactions to the escalating conflict. (Read more)
- Defense.gov reports that U.S. assets in the Mediterranean again helped defend Israel against Iranian missiles, highlighting the ongoing regional security concerns and U.S. military involvement. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Netanyahu say about Iran’s missile attack?
Netanyahu vowed retaliation against Tehran, saying, ‘Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.’
How many missiles did Iran launch at Israel?
Iran launched nearly 200 missiles into Israel.
Did Iran say the missile attack is finished?
Yes, Iran said its missile strike on Israel was finished barring further provocation.
What did the US promise after Iran’s missile attack?
The US promised to retaliate against Tehran’s escalation.
Did Israel intercept any of the missiles?
Yes, Israel intercepted many of the missiles with assistance from US destroyers.
