Tehran: In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Israeli military reported that Iran fired approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, triggering urgent shelter-in-place warnings across the nation. The attack coincided with the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, heightening concern among Israeli citizens.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, addressed the missile strikes on X, stating, “With God’s help, the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.” This declaration underscores Iran’s ongoing support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, further complicating the already tense regional dynamics.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile launches, which set off alarm systems in central and southern Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran, asserting Israel’s capability to strike anywhere in the Middle East: “There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.” This statement followed a recent airstrike targeting a leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group in southern Beirut, highlighting the ongoing military tensions in the region.
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As defense systems engaged to intercept the incoming missiles, footage from various parts of Israel depicted successful interceptions alongside falling debris. The IDF clarified that explosions reported in several areas were attributed to missile interceptions or impacts. Debris was noted in Tel Aviv, the Sharon region, and near the Dead Sea. However, as of now, there have been no confirmed injuries related to the strikes.
