Oct 2, V7N - Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated dramatically following an Iranian missile strike on Israel, in retaliation for Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that nearly 200 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran, prompting alarms and explosions throughout Israel, including in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, where citizens took cover in bomb shelters.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that the Israeli Air Force is continuing operations at full capacity, vowing that the Iranian attack will have "consequences" and that Israel will retaliate at a time of its choosing. He added that Israel’s and the U.S.’s air defense systems worked effectively together to detect and intercept the missiles. Israeli military officials indicated that there were no known injuries from the attack, although some damage was reported in the West Bank, where falling debris caused fires and reportedly killed a man near Jericho.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the missile barrage and warned that further retaliation from Israel would be met with an even more forceful response. Senior Iranian officials stated that the missile attack was ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and that both Russia and the U.S. had been notified before the strike.

In the broader regional conflict, Israel's recent military actions in Lebanon, including airstrikes that killed top Hezbollah leadership, have fueled the current escalation. Israel has conducted limited ground raids into Lebanon, marking the first significant ground involvement in the country in 18 years. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was reportedly killed in Israeli strikes, heightening tensions further.

The situation has prompted international reactions. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the continued escalation and called for a ceasefire. However, Israel criticized Guterres for not holding Iran accountable for launching missiles at its civilian population.

The conflict risks further destabilization of the region, as Israel prepares for potential larger military action and international diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a broader war.

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