Israel has launched precision strikes on Iranian military targets in response to months of continuous attacks from Iran.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted military sites in Iran, including drone and missile production facilities.
Tthis retaliatory action follows Iran’s October 1 missile attack and comes after Israel vowed to hit back with a “deadly, precise and surprising” response, according to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The conflict escalated after Iran-backed Hamas launched the deadliest attack *in Israeli* history on October 7, 2023, killing 1,206 people, mostly civilians. Israel has since broadened its operations to Lebanon, aiming to secure its northern border from Iran-backed Hezbollah attacks.
The killing of Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, on July 31 in Tehran, and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards general Abbas Nilforoushan in Lebanon on September 27, further fueled tensions.
The United States, aware of Israel’s intentions, has deployed the THAAD anti-missile defense system to Israel, along with 100 American personnel to operate it.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to avoid triggering a broader escalation, while a senior Biden official hopes the recent strikes will conclude the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.
The rapid escalation raises fears of a wider war, pitting Israel against Iran and its allies, dubbed the “axis of resistance”.
