In a shocking escalation of hostilities, President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to Iran following a massive missile attack on central Israel.
The situation has intensified after Iran fired around 100 missiles into Israel on Tuesday night, creating chaos in Tel Aviv.
This assault comes as a direct response to the recent death of senior Hezbollah leaders and Israel’s ground invasion in southern Lebanon.
Devastation in Tel Aviv
The night sky over Tel Aviv was lit up by incoming rockets, and air raid sirens pierced the air as buildings were struck.
Just hours before the missiles began to fall, the White House had alerted that an attack was “imminent.”
In a post on X, Biden reassured that the United States stands ready to support Israel in defending itself and protecting American personnel in the region.
Shortly after the first reports of the missile launch, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris convened their national security team to assess the unfolding crisis.
Footage from the scene showed Israel’s Iron Dome intercepting some of the rockets, sending debris raining down as residents were urged to seek shelter.
Ground Assaults and Casualties
While the extent of the damage remains unclear, reports indicate that violence spread beyond missile strikes.
Gunmen opened fire in Tel Aviv, resulting in at least four fatalities and several injuries, according to Israeli police.
Eyewitness accounts captured the gunmen firing indiscriminately after disembarking from a light rail train.
Earlier in the day, the U.S. Embassy in Israel instructed its staff to return home and prepare for potential bomb shelter use, anticipating the Iranian missile assault.
This advisory came amid rising fears of a wider conflict in the region, particularly following Israel’s recent military actions against Hezbollah.
U.S. Military Preparedness
The first missiles were launched around 12:30 PM ET, roughly five hours after the U.S. issued its warning.
In light of the developments, Biden assembled his national security council to review preparations for assisting Israel and safeguarding U.S. forces in the area.
The White House emphasized that any Iranian attack would face “severe consequences.”
A senior administration official confirmed that Iran was readying for a ballistic missile strike against Israel, prompting heightened defensive measures.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also discussed the situation with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, indicating a high level of military readiness.
Escalation of Conflict
Unlike previous assaults, this missile barrage is expected to utilize ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel within minutes, posing a significantly greater threat than earlier drone and cruise missile attacks.
In response, the Pentagon is deploying additional U.S. forces to the Middle East, increasing the total presence to 40,000 troops, alongside fighter jets and aircraft carriers to support Israeli defenses.
The order from the U.S. Embassy reflects the gravity of the situation.
Reports suggest that Iran’s assault could involve both unmanned drones and missiles aimed at Israel.
Tensions are further exacerbated by Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah leaders, which have seen rising violence in the region.
A Fragile Situation
As fears of all-out war loom, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the significant challenges posed by Iran and its allies.
He urged citizens to heed safety protocols, though he did not explicitly mention the missile threats.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have remained on high alert, though no direct aerial threats from Iran had been detected as of the latest updates.
The ongoing conflict has heightened anxieties not only for residents near the Israeli-Lebanese border but also for international observers, who fear that any escalation could draw the U.S. into a direct military engagement in support of Israel.
Looking Ahead
As tensions escalate, the IDF has instructed residents in Lebanese border communities to evacuate, fearing that military operations may intensify.
The urgency of the situation is palpable, with officials warning citizens to flee to safer areas to avoid the conflict’s fallout.
The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this escalating crisis in the Middle East.