Iran unleashed four waves of missiles targeting northern Israel on Sunday evening, following through on threats of retaliation after Israeli military operations against Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern neighborhoods.
Israeli military officials confirmed on social media that missiles had been fired from Iranian territory and that defensive systems were actively working to neutralize the incoming threats. Military sources reported successfully intercepting two of the projectiles. Emergency authorities sent warning alerts to cell phones throughout affected regions and directed civilians to seek shelter in protected areas when alarms sounded.
This marks Iran’s first direct assault on Israel since a ceasefire took effect on April 8th.
Throughout the day, Iranian leadership had issued warnings that Israel would face repercussions for its attacks on Hezbollah facilities in the southern districts of Lebanon’s capital city.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s foreign policy and national security committee, characterized the planned retaliation as forceful. He posted on social media: “We will give a decisive and painful response to the Zionist regime’s attack on the suburbs … Watch the sky of the occupied territories tonight.”
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament and the country’s top negotiator, declared that American military installations and resources throughout the region had become “legitimate targets” after the Israeli strikes.
Regarding current diplomatic efforts, Ghalibaf posted on social media: “They are neither committed to a ceasefire nor believe in dialogue, and through the naval blockade and violation of agreements regarding Lebanon they showed that they only understand the language of power.”
Channel 12 News reported that Israeli security officials had elevated alert status following intelligence analysis suggesting Iran had previously communicated it would respond directly if Israel targeted Hezbollah’s base of operations in southern Beirut. The report indicated Tehran had signaled several days earlier that strikes in the Dahiyeh area would prompt a missile counterattack.
Israeli forces confirmed they conducted operations Sunday against Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s southern districts after the organization launched attacks toward northern Israeli territory.
Meanwhile, Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, declared that all municipal governments would transition to restricted operations starting at 10 p.m. following updated emergency directives. School activities were suspended, outdoor events were restricted to 200 participants, and indoor gatherings were capped at 500 people in locations with access to standard protective shelters.
