TEL AVIV: Israel has warned that it will respond to Iran’s first direct attack on the country since April, raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East.
The Israeli military said it was prepared to retaliate as soon as it receives the necessary authorization, following a barrage of missiles launched by Iran toward northern Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attack marked the beginning of a week-long campaign of continuous strikes against Israeli targets.
Israeli authorities said most of the incoming missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, and residents were later advised that it was safe to leave bomb shelters, according to BBC.
According to multiple media reports, US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to the Iranian attack. Fox News reported that Trump also conveyed a message to Tehran, indicating that further escalation should be avoided.
The exchange came hours after Israel announced strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut on Sunday. The attacks prompted threats of retaliation from Iran, a key ally of the Lebanese militant group.
The latest developments have heightened concerns over a broader regional conflict and raised questions about Washington’s ability to influence its closest ally in the region while seeking to prevent the war from expanding further.
(Inputs from BBC)
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