Israel launches retaliatory attacks on Iran

Israel launched retaliatory attacks on Iran on Friday evening, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed, a direct response to Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this month.

The attack is an escalation of tensions in the Middle East that have risen since Hamas attacked Israel last year. The attack came after Iran fired 180 rockets at Israel on October 1, most of which were intercepted with the help of the United States.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier promised to provide a “precise and lethal” response to the attack, according to Fox News.

Israel fired two waves of rockets in two hours. The attacks hit military targets in Iran and the Iranian capital, Tehran, which was hit in both rounds. It was not targeted at nuclear facilities, – reported the Associated Press.

“In response to months of sustained attacks by the regime in Iran against the State of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces are now conducting precision attacks against military targets in Iran” – IDF sent to X. “The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been mercilessly attacking Israel since October 7 – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil.

“Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and obligation to respond,” he continued. “Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized. We will do whatever is necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel.”

Iran is expected to respond militarily, but Israeli and US officials reportedly hope it will be a limited response. according to Axios.

The United States said it was not participating in the strike. “We would refer you to the Israeli government for further information on its operations,” said Sean Savett, spokesman for the White House National Security Council CNN.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin informed regarding Israeli attacks. Austin also talked to Gallant.

Syrian Air Defense said it came face to face with “hostile targets” near Damascus on Friday evening, state media reported. Iraq and Iran closed their airspace for security reasons.

Misty Severi is the evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on x for greater coverage.