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Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation for Iran’s missile attack as Tehran has threatened “vast destruction” will follow any Israeli response, raising fears of a wider war.
As US and UK leaders condemned the bombardment on Tuesday, Iran’s armed forces warned direct intervention by Israel’s supporters would provoke a “strong attack” on their “bases and interests” in the region, adding that any Israeli response would be met with “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister warned: “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said the assault was in retaliation for Israeli killings of militant leaders and aggression in Lebanon against the Iran-backed armed movement Hezbollah and in Gaza.
The Israeli military said around 180 missiles were fired as civilians took cover in bomb shelters with sirens sounding across the country.
It came as Israeli police said at least six people were killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv, just minutes before Iran launched its strikes.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” as he expressed his deep concern that the region “is on the brink”, while US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned of “severe consequences” after the “significant escalation”.
The bombardment comes less than 24 hours after Israel announced it was carrying out “targeted” raids into southern Lebanon. It is the first time Israel has invaded its northern neighbour since 2006, when the two engaged in a month-long all-out war.
WATCH: Iran launches 200 missiles into Israel as Netanyahu vows to retaliate
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut
The Israeli military has said it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut in a post on Telegram.
Israeli military calls Iran’s attack ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ and vowed consequences
The Israeli military has called Iran’s attack a “severe and dangerous escalation” and vowed consequences.
Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said: “There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
“Iran and its proxies have been attacking Israel since the 7th of October on 7 fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation’
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed British forces “played their part” on Tuesday evening in “attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East”.
In a statement, Mr Healey said: “I completely condemn Iran’s attack against Israel.
“British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
“I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
“The UK stands fully behind Israel’s right to defend its country and its people against threats.”
Israel’s Netanyahu says Iran made a big mistake and will pay
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s missile attack on Israel failed and vowed retaliation.
“Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it,” he said at the outset of a political-security meeting. “The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies.”
Starmer says he and German Chancellor condemn Iran’s attack on Israel
Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening.
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran’s attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel’s security,” a spokesperson said.
“The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody’s interest and that all sides should show restraint.
“On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
“They agreed to speak soon.”
Watch: Harris says Iran ‘dangerous and de-stabling influence in Middle East’
Biden says consequences for Iran remain to be seen after Israel attack
US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that there was an active discussion ongoing over how Israel would respond to an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and that the consequences for Tehran remain to be seen.
Biden, speaking at the White House, said he would be speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Iran’s attack appeared to have been ineffective.
Starmer says Iran has ‘menaced the Middle East for far too long’
Sir Keir Starmer said Iran has “menaced the Middle East for far too long” as he condemned the attack on Israel.
“We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression,” he said in a statement in Downing Street.
“Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.
“Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel’s reasonable demand for the security of its people.”
Iran’s armed forces warn Israel against response and its allies against direct intervention
Iran’s armed forces said on Tuesday they would target the “bases and interests” of Israel’s backers in the region if they directly intervene against Tehran, adding that any Israeli response to its missile attack would be met with “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure.
Source: independent.co.uk
