Iran has carried out a missile offensive against Israel, launching approximately 180 missiles, some of which have reportedly landed within Israeli territory. This marks the second such attack by Iran in 2023, following a similar wave of attacks in April that involved around 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles. Israeli military officials have indicated that the immediate threat has subsided, although the full extent of the damage from the latest assault remains unclear.
According to the Israeli military, during the recent assault, some missiles were intercepted, particularly as they flew over the Tel Aviv area around 19:45 local time (17:45 BST). Initial reports confirm that there were “a few hits” in central and southern Israel, with some residents slightly wounded by shrapnel. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that they utilized hypersonic missiles and asserted that 90% of their projectiles reached their intended targets, primarily three Israeli military bases.
The IRGC stated that the attacks were retaliation for the Israeli military’s recent operations that resulted in the deaths of key figures, including a high-ranking IRGC commander. The IRGC mentioned several recent killings, including those of Hezbollah’s leader and Hamas’ political leader, which Israel has not officially confirmed but is suspected to be responsible.
Israel’s defensive measures include the Iron Dome, designed to intercept short-range threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, but other systems, including David’s Sling and the Arrow interceptors, may have played a larger role during this attack. The U.S. has stepped in to assist Israel, with President Biden ordering military support to help intercept Iranian missiles, while U.S. Navy destroyers reportedly launched about a dozen interceptors.
Reactions from Israel’s allies have been strong, with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning Iran’s actions. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey noted that British forces were involved in efforts to prevent further escalation, although specifics were not provided.
As for what lies ahead, the situation remains tense as the threat of further retaliatory actions looms, and the international community watches closely.