JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Oct 1 – In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran launched a volley of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, prompting alarms and chaos across the country as citizens rushed to bomb shelters. Reports indicated explosions were heard in major areas, including Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared the launch of tens of missiles aimed at Israeli targets.
A senior Iranian official disclosed that the order for the missile strikes came directly from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly in a secure location. The Israeli military responded by closing its airspace and reported nearly 200 missiles were fired from Iran. Many of these projectiles were intercepted in the airspace over neighboring Jordan.
The missile launches follow a series of Israeli ground raids into Lebanon, where tensions have soared due to Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, Iran’s key ally in the region. This campaign is being characterized as the largest escalation of regional conflict since fighting erupted in Gaza a year ago, leading to heavy casualties and a mass exodus of over a million Lebanese people from their homes.
In response to the Iranian attacks, U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed that the United States is prepared to assist Israel in defending itself and protecting American military personnel stationed in the region. During a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and the national security team, Biden reiterated America’s commitment to Israel’s defense.
The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with Hezbollah vowing to retaliate against Israeli actions, particularly after the assassination of its top leadership. The rapid escalation has left many Lebanese citizens feeling compelled to resist, with sentiments expressed that “all of Lebanon will fight” in solidarity against Israel’s military actions.
This latest round of violence comes amid a history of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shiite militia that has evolved into Lebanon’s most formidable military force, backed significantly by Iran. The Israeli military indicated that while recent ground operations have been limited, they plan to bolster their presence on the northern border by calling up additional reserve brigades.
Reports of Israeli airstrikes continue to surface, including strikes near Beirut that reportedly targeted high-rise buildings. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial loss of life, with hundreds of casualties reported in Lebanon, including significant numbers of civilians.
As the situation evolves, the United Nations peacekeepers have observed sporadic incursions but have not confirmed any large-scale invasion by Israeli forces. The region remains on high alert as fears grow of a broader conflict that could engulf neighboring countries .
