Israel vows revenge for Iran's thwarted attack
Iran's attack was in retaliation for Israel's killing of Iran military leaders, plus members of Tehran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas


What happened
Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel Tuesday, targeting several military bases and the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence service in Tel Aviv. Iran said the attack was in retaliation for Israel's killing of leaders of Iran's military and Tehran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas. Two people were lightly wounded in Israel and a Palestinian man was killed by falling shrapnel in the West Bank.
Who said what
Iran scored a "small number of hits" in central and southern Israel, said Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari, but the "majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States." U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Iran's attack was a "serious escalation" that would have "severe consequences," though it "appears to have been defeated and ineffective." By midnight Tuesday night Israelis were told they could leave their bomb shelters.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight — and it will pay for it," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X that Tehran was "not seeking war but it will stand firmly against any threats." The missile barrage was "only a small glimpse of our powers," he added. "Do not enter into a war with Iran."
What next?
Israel will want to show it can "strike any target in Iran," but it should tread carefully, former U.S. intelligence officer Norman Roule said to The Wall Street Journal. "A war with Iran would require the political, economic and military support, if not participation by the United States," and "Israel no doubt recognizes that Washington has no interest in engaging in such a conflict."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.
-
The world's 10 richest families
In Depth From Middle Eastern monarchs to M&M magnates, these are the most fabulously wealthy clans on Earth
-
5 apps to help with travel budgeting
The Week Recommends Track expenses while on the go
-
Emil Bove: The start of a MAGA judiciary?
Feature President Trump's former personal attorney is on the verge of being confirmed by Senate Republicans
-
Can Gaza aid drops work?
Today's Big Question UN's Palestinian refugee agency calls plan a 'distraction and smokescreen' as pressure mounts on Israel to agree ceasefire and fully open land crossings
-
Iran: Is regime change possible?
Feature The U.S.-Israeli attack exposed cracks in Iran's regime
-
'There are compelling arguments for and against homework'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump's strikes on Iran: a 'spectacular success'?
In Depth Military humiliations 'expose the brittleness' of Tehran's ageing regime, but risk reinforcing its commitment to its nuclear program
-
Trump plans Iran talks, insists nuke threat gone
Speed Read 'The war is done' and 'we destroyed the nuclear,' said President Trump
-
Bibi's back: what will Netanyahu do next?
Today's Big Question Riding high after a series of military victories, Israel's PM could push for peace in Gaza – or secure his own position with snap election
-
Is Trump sidelining Congress' war powers?
Today's Big Question The Iran attack renews a long-running debate
-
US assessing bomb damage to Iran nuclear sites
Speed Read Trump claims this weekend's US bombing obliterated Tehran's nuclear program, while JD Vance insists the US is 'not at war with Iran'