Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, stating that Tehran would face consequences for their actions as Israel would retaliate against those who attack them. The attack, which occurred on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, saw Iran launching ballistic missiles towards Israel, with many intercepted by Israel's air defense systems, but some landing in both southern and central Israel. The U.S. supported Israel in defending against the attack, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin calling Iran's actions an "outrageous act of aggression" and confirming the interception of multiple missiles.
The missile attack led to alerts for Israeli citizens to seek shelter as the country came under attack, with some individuals sustaining injuries from shrapnel. Additionally, there were reports of a Palestinian man being killed by a missile in Jericho. Iran justified its attack on Israel by stating it was in response to alleged Israeli aggression towards Iranian nationals and interests, including airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps specified that the missile barrage was a retaliatory measure for the assassinations of key figures linked to Iranian interests.
Amid escalating tensions, Iranian officials issued warnings to Israel, threatening further attacks on Israeli infrastructure in response to any retaliatory actions. The situation raised concerns globally, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging for a ceasefire to prevent a widening conflict between Iran, Israel, and their respective proxy groups. As Israel contemplates its response to the missile attack, fears mount that further actions could lead to an escalation of hostilities in the region, potentially drawing in other nations and endangering deployed U.S. troops.