Israel targets Beirut, pledges 'significant response' to Iran's missile strikes

Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut on Wednesday, marking a significant retaliation after Iran’s missile barrage on Israeli military bases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the strikes a "measured and significant response" to Tehran’s aggression, which saw over 180 ballistic missiles fired at key Israeli airbases and intelligence sites near Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

Iran’s missile strike, its largest in years, was reportedly in response to Israel’s July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the missile strike was "90% successful" and warned Israel of vast destruction if retaliations continued. Iran has also threatened to strike Israel’s infrastructure if provoked further.

In response, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, ordering mass evacuations in parts of Beirut and escalating its ground incursion in the region. Israeli military sources confirmed the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s command centers and arms depots.

Although Israel’s advanced missile defense systems intercepted most of Iran’s missiles, limiting damage, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not tolerate further threats, stating, "Whoever attacks us, we will attack them."

The United States condemned Iran’s missile attack as a "serious escalation," with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warning Tehran of "severe consequences." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to de-escalate to avoid a full-scale regional conflict.