Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran’s missile attack on Israel was unsuccessful and vowed retaliation.
“Iran made a grave mistake tonight—and it will face the consequences,” he declared at the beginning of a political-security meeting. “The regime in Iran does not grasp our determination to defend ourselves and to retaliate against our enemies.”
Iran, meanwhile, claimed that its missile strike on Israel, its largest military assault on the Jewish state, had concluded, unless provoked further. Both Israel and the United States promised a response to Tehran as concerns about an escalating conflict grew.
Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued on Wednesday.
Israel resumed its bombardment of southern Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, conducting at least a dozen airstrikes targeting what it identified as Hezbollah positions. Large clouds of smoke were observed rising from the suburbs, and Israel issued new evacuation orders for the area, which has seen significant population displacement following days of intense strikes.
Hezbollah reported that it engaged Israeli forces infiltrating the Lebanese town of Adaisseh early Wednesday, successfully forcing them to retreat.
The United States warned Iran of severe repercussions for its ballistic missile attack on Israel, which it characterized as a significant escalation, albeit one that appeared to have been largely thwarted.
President Joe Biden expressed unwavering U.S. support for Israel, labeling Iran’s attack as ineffective. He noted ongoing discussions about Israel’s response and mentioned plans to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
U.S. military forces in the region assisted Israel in countering the attack, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stating that the Biden administration was coordinating with Israeli officials on subsequent actions.
“This marks a significant escalation by Iran,” Sullivan told reporters at the White House. “We have made it clear that there will be severe consequences for this attack, and we will work with Israel to ensure that happens.”
