Israel strikes Beirut again, vows 'significant' response to Iran missile attack

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran would pay for its missile attacks, Tehran warned that any retaliation by Israel or its allies will be met with "vast destruction".

In Short

• Netanyahu says Iran would "pay" for its missile attack
• Tehran says any retaliation would be met with "vast destruction"
• US warns Iran of severe consequences for attack on Israel

Israel launched new airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, hours after repelling a massive missile attack by Iran. The aerial assault comes a day after the Israel Defense Forces initiated a "limited, localised and targeted" ground operation against the Iran-backed militant group.

Israeli officials plan a "significant retaliation" against Iran's missile barrage in the coming days, according to a report by Axios. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards earlier issued a stern warning to Israel, vowing "crushing attacks" if it retaliates.

The escalation stoked fears of an all-out regional war as tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran continue to intensify.

ISRAEL-IRAN TENSIONS: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

1. Iran launched a barrage of missiles on Tuesday, claiming to have targeted three military bases near Tel Aviv as well as key air and radar installations. According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, "90 per cent" of the missiles "hit their targets", though no injuries have been reported by Israeli authorities.
2. Tehran linked the missile strike to an "attack on the sovereignty" of Iran, referencing the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. The Iranian government described its military actions as defensive, undertaken "after a period of restraint."
3. Iran warned of "vast destruction" should Israel retaliate. The Iranian armed forces also cautioned other nations against intervening in the conflict, stating their "interests in the region will also face a powerful attack."
4. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said a "decisive response" had been made to what he called Israeli "aggression," cautioning Netanyahu that "Iran is not a warmonger, but it firmly opposes any threats. This is merely a glimpse of our strength. Do not provoke Iran".
5. Following the Iranian missile attacks, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a firm response, saying, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack them."
6. The United States, which had earlier warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack, described the assault as "defeated and ineffective." White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also warned Tehran of serious repercussions.
7. Israel's security cabinet met late Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated, "This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide."
8. Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, targeting airbases and spy agency Mossad's headquarters. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley. Israeli military published video of a school in the central city of Gadera that was heavily damaged by an Iranian missile.
9. The IDF said its missile defence systems carried out "a large number of interceptions," and the US said it intercepted some of the missiles to help defend Israel. No injuries were reported in Israel, but a Palestinian was killed in the occupied West Bank, authorities said.
10. Tuesday's attack came after Iran vowed to retaliate following Israeli strikes that killed the top leadership of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah.

(With inputs from Agencies)