This story is developing. Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel Tuesday, and air raid sirens could be heard across the country. The missiles have come in at least two waves, with about 400 launched, according to reports from Iran, while Israeli
media reports 180 missiles. There are also reports of multiple potential terror attacks in Israel. Two gunman killed at least 8 on a light rail train in Tel Aviv , and police responded as Iranian missles targeted the city. There are conflicting reports on injuries and deaths there. Israeli police said they were also responding to reports of terrorists at the Sharon Hotel in the central city of Herzliya.
Why is Iran attacking Israel?
Iran has said the strikes are retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassam Nasrallah in Beirut and the July killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh , who died in Tehran during an Israeli airstrike.
Israel has in the past day announced it was making limited ground incursions into southern Lebanon to root out pockets of Hezbollah fighters closest to Israel’s northern border. This followed an operation, widely attributed to Israel, in which thousands of Hezbollah militants were injured when their pagers exploded in their pockets. Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel from Lebanon after Oct. 7 in support of Hamas in Gaza.
Related
What is the ‘Axis of Resistance’?
The “Axis of Resistance” refers to the militant groups backed by Iran who have all vowed to destroy Israel. The group includes Hezbollah in Lebanon (known as the world’s most heavily armed non-state group), Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, the Syrian government and groups of Iraqi militias.
In the past these groups have attacked Israel, but also other targets, including Saudi Arabia and U.S. interests in the Middle East. After Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, these groups launched attacks of their own against Israel.
Will this attack set off a regional war in the Middle East?
Iran launched a direct attack on Israel for the first time in April , sending more than 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles toward the Jewish state. Israel was able to intercept nearly all of them with the help of the U.S., France, Britain, Jordan, and Saudi allies. Casualties were few, as appears to be the case this time as well.
Iran’s attack at the time was a response to the killing of two of its top Iranian generals in Damascus. Some experts argued that Iran felt the need to retaliate, but exercised restraint to avoid inflicting serious harm and triggering a regional war.
Tensions in the region have continued to escalate since Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 people hostage, sparking a war in Gaza.
The U.S., as it has before, has vowed to come to Israel’s defense.
Related
Local News
