Iran launches missile attack on Israel after Beirut strike by Israel

Following an Israeli attack on the outskirts of Beirut against Hezbollah (an Iran-backed militant group), Iran launched a limited ballistic missile attack on Israel late Sunday.

This raises the threat of open conflict between Iran and Israel for the first time since a ceasefire in early April paused the American-Israeli war with Iran.

The Israeli military reported that all Iranian missiles launched in the first phase of the two-stage attack were intercepted and destroyed in the air.

Additionally, around 11 p.m. local time, it announced that civilians were free to leave bunkers or safe shelters. As a precaution, the government ordered all schools nationwide to close on Monday.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of Iran stated that this missile attack was in response to Israel’s attack on Hezbollah.

The Corps noted that the ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel was based on the condition of a ceasefire on all fronts. In a statement, the Guards Corps said, “Tonight’s operation was just a warning, and if such aggressive activities are repeated, the response will be more extensive.”

Israel has not immediately retaliated against the Iranian missile attack, but its military has indicated eagerness for retaliatory action.

Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Efi Defrin said in a television briefing, “The Iranian terrorist regime has made a grave mistake.”

He accused Iran of trying to “create a new equation by directly launching missiles onto our territory” in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon. He added, “We will not let that happen.”

At the end of February, Israel, in coordination with the United States, launched an unexpected attack on Iran. However, after the April ceasefire, while the U.S. was attempting a peace agreement with Tehran, Israel and Iran had not engaged in hostilities.

Nonetheless, Israel and the Lebanese government agreed to renew the ceasefire last week, but Hezbollah rejected it.

Since the fighting began in March, more than 3,600 people have been killed in Lebanon, including hundreds after the ceasefire was implemented. Similarly, about 30 Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Facing intense political pressure from citizens in northern Israel affected by Hezbollah’s rockets, drones, and missiles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is trailing in pre-election surveys, warned last week that he would order an attack on Beirut if Hezbollah attacked Israeli territory again.

Mr. Netanyahu is under public pressure from President Trump to avoid escalating tensions in Lebanon, which could jeopardize U.S.-Iran talks.

According to Fox News, Mr. Trump told Fox News on Sunday that the recent Israeli attack on Beirut was not coordinated with the United States and that he is “not happy about it.”

Regarding Iran, Mr. Trump stated his message clearly, “You have launched missiles, now that’s enough. Return to the negotiating table and make a deal.”