On October 1, 2024, Iran launched an unprecedented missile strike against Israel, codenamed Operation True Promise 2. This marked one of the most significant escalations in the Middle East conflict, with 181 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Gedera. Air raid sirens blared across the country as Israel’s Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles. Despite this, some managed to hit civilian areas, causing minor injuries to two Israelis, while a Palestinian man in the West Bank was killed by falling debris​

This missile barrage was seen as retaliation by Iran after the assassinations of key figures like Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, and Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. Both men were killed in Israeli strikes earlier in the year, escalating tensions between the two nations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack, warning of more “crushing” retaliations if Israel were to respond militarily.

Israel responded with strong defensive measures, deploying air defense systems that intercepted the majority of the missiles. The United States also assisted in neutralizing some of the threats by firing interceptors from naval vessels stationed in the region. The Israeli government implemented emergency protocols, urging over 10 million Israelis to seek shelter, and temporarily halting public activities across major cities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile attack, stating that Iran had made a “big mistake” and promised that Israel would retaliate at a time and place of its choosing. The situation continues to be volatile, with further escalations expected in the already tense Middle East conflict.

This attack is part of a broader regional conflict in which Israel faces threats from multiple fronts, including Hezbollah in the north, Hamas in the south, and now Iran directly from the east. The missile strike underscores the growing reach and capability of Iran’s military, and the escalating hostilities between the nations continue to draw international concern.