Iran launched approximately 200 missiles towards Israel on Tuesday (October 1st), escalating tensions significantly in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, stating that Iran has made a grave mistake and will pay the price for it.
The Pentagon stated that most of the missiles were successfully intercepted by Israel. Two American missile destroyers also participated in the operation to shoot down the missiles. The Pentagon also mentioned that the ground damage caused to Israel by Iran’s attack was minimal.
According to the Israeli newspaper “Israel Hayom,” Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on Tuesday evening, “Tonight, Iran once again attacked Israel with hundreds of missiles. This attack failed.”
“Due to Israel possessing the most advanced air defense system in the world, Iran’s operation was thwarted,” he said at a security cabinet meeting. “I congratulate the remarkable achievement of the Israel Defense Forces.”
The Prime Minister also praised the vigilance and sense of responsibility shown by Israeli citizens, emphasizing how it helped Israel defeat Iran’s attack. “I also want to thank the United States for their support towards our defense efforts,” he added.
“The Iranian regime has not understood our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies,” he said. “Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hamas’ top military commander Mohammed Deif have not grasped this, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah chief of staff Fuad Shukr have not grasped this, and some in Tehran may not have grasped this either.”
“They will understand,” Netanyahu warned. “Whoever attacks us, we will attack them.”
The Prime Minister further added that whether Israel is operating in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, or Iran, the fight against the “axis of evil” remains the same.
Netanyahu called on the forces of light worldwide to unite in resisting Iran. “They must stand with Israel. The choice between tyranny and freedom, blessing and curse has never been clearer,” he said. “Israel is moving forward, the axis of evil is retreating.”
“We will take all necessary measures to continue this trend, achieve all the goals of the war, primarily to bring back all our hostages and ensure our existence and future,” he concluded.