The tensions grew tense following Iran launched missiles at the southern part of Israel which injured around 244 people in hospital, which includes patients. Responding, Israel directly threatened the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and put him in the danger of military reprisal.
The attack occurred on in the evening of Wednesday. The missiles struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba and damaged areas of the facility and injuring the staff and patients. The missiles also struck homes in the neighborhood within Tel Aviv, breaking windows and causing families to panic. Israel’s emergency services have confirmed that many were transported into hospitals to receive treatment and at the very least, four were critically ill.
Flashback April 2024: Direct Iran-Israel Conflict It’s not the first time that tensions between Israel and Iran caused direct attacks. On April of 2024, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel as a reaction to an Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy located in Syria. The majority of these missiles were intercepted. However, it was the first time that Iran began a large-scale assault within its borders. This event provoked strong international responses and moved both countries closer to a conflict.
Rewind to Current Crisis
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant quickly responded. In a statement on television in which he blamed Khamenei in a direct manner and stated, “The one who ordered this attack will face the consequences.” The Defense Minister made explicit that the Israeli military was given the task of preparing options to target the leadership of Iran’s top structure.
In the space of a few minutes, Israel carried out restricted airstrikes in Iranian military installations thought to be connected to missiles. There are indications that a bigger actions are being pondered should the attack continue.
The United Nations and European leaders are calling for caution. The U.S. confirmed it is watching the situation carefully and has been in discussions with both sides in an effort to avoid any further escalated tensions.
The experts warn that hitting directly at Iran’s leaders could trigger the region to full-on war. But, Israel insists it will not rest on its laurels in the event that civilian targets continue to get hit.
