Israel PM Netanyahu says Iran 'made a big mistake' with missile attack and 'will pay for it'

Iran launched almost 200 missiles over Israel on Tuesday evening in reprisal for its invasion of Lebanon - PM Benjamin Netanyahu now says they 'will pay' for it

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a chilling warning to Iran, saying it "made a big mistake" in attacking Israel with missiles and "will pay for it".

The PM vowed retaliation against Iran for its missile barrage on Israel, which was launched shortly after 5:30pm on Tuesday evening. "Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it," Netanyahu said as he gathered his Security Cabinet for a late-night meeting.

The 74-year-old added that the missile attack was a "failure" and that Iran would soon learn a painful lesson like "enemies" in Gaza, Lebanon and other places. "Whoever attacks us. We attack them," he said.

Shortly after a warning from White House officials in the US, who said on Tuesday evening they had reason to believe Iran was set to launch an imminent "balistic missile attack", air raid sirens were heard ringing out across Israel. Footage taken from above Jerusalem captured dozens of missiles flying over the region, with residents ordered by Israel's Defence Forces to take cover and remain close to bomb shelters.

Iran's missiles came after a series of deadly Israeli air raids across Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. On Monday night, the IDF began to carry out what it called a "limited, localised" operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. As the fighting escalated, Israeli officials warned there would be "repercussions" if Iran were to launch a retaliatory attack.

Addressing Israeli civilians after Iran fired almost 200 missiles over Jerusalem, Netanyahu, 74, said: "Citizens of Israel, we are in the midst of a campaign against Iran’s axis of evil. Together we will fight and together we will win." He added that he has also reportedly spoken with Keir Starmer and their Lebanese counterpart, Najib Mikati, this evening.

In a seperate message, the IDF told the nation it is ready to fight back tonight. A translated statement read: "There is no damage to the competence of the Air Force and it will continue to attack tonight in the Middle East in a powerful way." Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the IDF, made further threats as he warned Israel would now "act at the place and time of our choosing, in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon".

He said: “We are still investigating [the result of the attack] and do not want to give the enemy all the information. Iran carried out a serious act tonight and is pushing the Middle East to an escalation. We will act at the place and time of our choosing, in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon. Tonight’s event will have consequences."