Iran Launches Second Missile Attack on Israeli Soil
Iranian missiles launched towards Israel streak across the night sky, visible from Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip (Free Malaysia News).
Conflict escalated in the Middle East when Iran launched almost 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting its military bases on October 1, 2024. The attack killed a Palestinian man and injured two other individuals in Tel Aviv. According to The New York Times, the United States blunted Iran’s assault: “Two U.S. Navy destroyers launched a dozen interceptors to shoot down the incoming Iranian missiles,” they explained. The attack lasted for around 30 minutes, and the Israeli military reported minor damage to their infrastructure. Many believe that Iran’s missile launch was in response to the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and to Israel’s ground invasion into Southern Lebanon just a day before.
This marks Iran’s second direct attack on Israel, with heightened severity compared to the initial strike in April. Al-Monitor reports that in “the first attack it mounted against Israel on April 14, Iran launched 110 ballistic missiles, but mostly much slower cruise missiles and drones. ... This time, Iran opted for ballistic missiles that take 12 minutes to cover the distance to Israel.”
Israel’s retaliation against Iran in April was somewhat restrained, perhaps in an attempt to avoid entering into a larger conflict. At the time, an anonymous Israeli official stated that his state’s military response was more to show that Israel has the capability to attack Iran, rather than to cause significant damage. Israel’s upcoming response may not seek the same objective. According to The New York Times, “In April, Israel was worried that issuing too intense of a response would prompt Iran to order its proxy militias—particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon—to retaliate extensively.” Israel has since weakened Hezbollah considerably, lessening the strategic advantage of restraint.
Following the barrage of missiles, Israel’s military’s spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, stated that “this attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.” There are four ways in which these consequences might manifest: attacks on Iran’s oil industry, regime symbols, government officials, or possibly their nuclear infrastructure. The United States will likely attempt to restrain Israel’s response, but may not have as much influence as they did in April. In addition, President Biden has asserted that the United States will not back Israel in attacking Iran’s nuclear sites. After Iran’s first attack, the United States and United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Iranian drone production. The United States intends to impose more sanctions on Iran following the hostilities on October 2.