Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on October 1, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting that approximately 180 missiles were fired from Iran towards various locations in Israel. Most of these missiles were reportedly intercepted by the Israeli Air Force in coordination with the U.S. Air Forces Central Command. Israeli officials are currently assessing the damage caused by the few missiles that successfully hit their targets, BBC reported.
The missile barrage began around 7:30 p.m. local time, with missiles visible over Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Hours earlier, the White House had warned of an impending ballistic missile attack from Iran and pledged U.S. support to help defend Israel. Concerns were raised that the attack could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick S Ryder confirmed that Iran had launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles, stating, “The U.S. military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend Israel.” He said that the majority of the missiles were intercepted, preventing widespread damage.
President Joe Biden, speaking at the White House, described the attack as “defeated and ineffective,” while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation. Netanyahu warned Iran, stating that the country “made a big mistake tonight” and “will pay for it.” He reiterated Israel’s policy of retaliating against any attack, saying, “Whoever attacks us – we will attack them.”
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari also confirmed that the Israeli Air Force, in cooperation with U.S. defense systems, responded effectively to the missile barrage. He described the attack as a “serious act” and warned that the events of the night “will have consequences.” The Israeli Air Force is expected to launch retaliatory strikes.
Iranian officials, however, characterized the missile attack as a defensive measure. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated on Iranian state TV that the missiles targeted Israeli military centers. He warned that if Israel retaliates, a second, more destructive wave of attacks will follow. Iranian Brigadier General Nasirzadeh claimed that 90% of the missiles struck their intended military targets and warned Israel of harsher consequences if it responds.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Tel Aviv, gunmen opened fire on civilians in a mass shooting. Israeli media reported that at least six people were killed and seven others injured, several critically. The gunmen were neutralized by police, who described the attack as an act of terrorism. Images shared on social media showed the aftermath, with injured bystanders and gunmen shooting at civilians near a railway station in Jaffa.
Both the missile strikes and the shooting have heightened tensions, with Israel and its allies preparing for potential further escalations in the region.