Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian military targets after Iran fired more than 180 missiles toward Israel earlier this month, in response to the deaths of key leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah. Explosions reportedly rocked areas near Tehran and the city of Karaj as Israeli forces struck back, igniting fears of a wider conflict in the already volatile region.
The Israeli response, led by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, came after what he described as a “precise and deadly” operation aimed at disabling Iran’s missile-launch capabilities. Gallant issued a stern warning to Tehran, vowing a powerful counterattack following the missile barrage that Iran unleashed on October 1, which targeted Israeli cities, including Jerusalem. Some of the missiles were intercepted mid-air with the assistance of U.S. ballistic defense systems deployed to protect Israeli airspace.
“This regime is vulnerable,” said Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon. “It will be very painful for them, and they will think twice in the future about attacking Israel.”
The Iranian missile strike was reportedly launched in retaliation for Israel’s targeted killings of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut, and Hamas’ political head, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran last July. Both leaders were prominent figures in anti-Israel movements. Following these attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the killings, saying, “The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged.” Khamenei had previously honored Nasrallah, calling him the “flag-bearer of resistance” in the Middle East.
In the days leading up to Israel’s retaliation, discussions reportedly took place between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and other top military officials. A list of potential Iranian targets was presented to the Israeli leaders, with Gallant emphasizing the importance of careful and “sensitive coordination” with allies in the region. Israel, with backing from the United States, is believed to have chosen targets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s powerful paramilitary wing.
On October 1, as Iranian missiles flew toward Israel, residents of Jerusalem were urged to take shelter. Though the attack caused no fatalities in Israel, a Palestinian civilian was killed in the West Bank. In response, the United States Navy quickly dispatched the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, which deployed missile interceptors to thwart further Iranian threats.
This is not the first time Iran has launched missiles at Israel this year. In April, Iranian forces fired over 300 missiles and drones toward Israel, which responded with calculated airstrikes that damaged Iran’s S-300 long-range air defense system. As tensions continued to build, Israel called for global support, demanding accountability for Iran’s persistent missile threats.
Many in the international community are concerned that this growing conflict between Israel and Iran could destabilize the region. Western nations, including the United States, are reinforcing Israel’s defense systems, with plans to send more advanced missile defenses to the Middle East.
In an official statement, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) expressed their commitment to safeguarding Israeli territory. “In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran,” the IDF posted on social media, “the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran.” The IDF added that its mission is to protect the State of Israel from persistent threats, emphasizing that Israel will do “whatever necessary” to defend its citizens.
Since October 7, Israel has reportedly faced attacks from multiple fronts, with aggressions traced back to Iran’s proxies and directly to Iranian soil. Analysts suggest that Israel’s decision to strike Iranian military sites is an attempt to neutralize Iran’s power in the region and prevent future hostilities.
The death of Yahya Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas military leader, on October 16 has also played a role in the current turmoil. The IDF has taken responsibility for targeting Sinwar, who was seen as a major figure in orchestrating Hamas’s anti-Israel operations. His elimination is thought to have further escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, as both Hamas and Hezbollah have strong ties to Tehran’s government.
