Iran Strikes Again
For the second time this year, a direct attack from Iranian soil toward the State of Israel
Since October 7th, Iran and its proxies’ attacks on Israel have been relentless, firing at us on seven fronts: from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, from militias in Syria and Iraq to the Houthis in Yemen, and even terrorists within Judea and Samaria. While Iran often prefers to wage war from the shadows, last night Iran took the lead, and launched a massive aerial attack on Israel for the second time this year.
For further understanding on Iran and its proxies, feel free to watch the video attached below:
A Bold Escalation
Iran didn’t hold back. 180 ballistic missiles were fired from Iranian soil in two waves, targeting southern, central and northern Israel simultaneously.
In an instant, the entire nation rushed to protected areas and bomb shelters, following the urgent Personal Emergency Alerts from the IDF Home Front Command’s defensive messages system that signalled an immediate threat. My team and I, like ten million others, spent nearly an hour in our shelter before the all-clear was given.
Following the attack, we began reviewing the flood of videos and reports shared on social media in the aftermath. One video, in particular, stands out—a school in the city of Gedera took a direct hit, leaving its infrastructure in ruins. I’ve included that video below so you can witness firsthand the devastating damage caused by this attack.
A Coordinated Defense
Israel’s defenses held strong, with the Israeli Air Force Aerial Defense Systems intercepting many of the missiles. The partnership with U.S. CENTCOM was key in identifying and intercepting these threats effectively in real-time. Despite the success of our defenses, this attack demonstrates the nature of the threat from Iran and we remain at peak readiness to face any future aggression.
"We have proven our ability to prevent the enemy from achieving success, through the combination of exemplary civilian conduct and a very strong Aerial Defense Array”
Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi
Actions Have Consequences
Make no mistake—this severe escalation will have consequences. The IDF will respond at the time and place of our choosing. Our operational plans are ready, and we will not hesitate to defend Israel and protect our citizens.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.”
IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari
A Web of Terror, One Resilient Israel
While Iran fired directly from its soil last night, its terror network continues to wage war through proxies on seven different fronts. From the barrage of rockets launched by Hamas and Hezbollah, to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq, to the Houthis in Yemen targeting Israeli interests, Iran’s reach is wide. But Israel’s resolve is stronger. We will continue to defend our borders, protect our citizens, and confront these threats wherever they arise.
Tonight marks the Jewish New Year. As we begin the New Year, our thoughts are with the 101 hostages still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. May they all return home as soon as possible.
Wishing all those celebrating a happy, healthy and safe new year ahead.
Decades of tolerating massive numbers of violent, murderous terrorists on Israel's borders hasn't won a lasting peace. It's only allowed threats to Israeli national security to fester and grow. I commend the Israeli government's firm and committed decisive actions in Gaza, and more recently in Lebanon, to actually deal these terrorists and their infrastructure and their institutions designed to perpetuate violent terror against Israel and its citizens crippling blows.
The Iranian government's funding and supplying of these very same terrorist factions is effectively the prosecution of war in incremental form. It's not as though this war hasn't been actively waged for decades on end, already. Iran's government has long waged sustained warfare. Calling it's embrace and utilization of violent terrorism by various other names does not change the essential nature of what Iran has been doing. It's very refreshing to see Israel finally begin to put into practice actual decisive and concerted actions to hold Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and now Iranian war-by-terror entities and individuals accountable, and to use blunt force to eradicate their strongholds and terrorist cells.
Israel has been on a roll of successes, both recently and over the last year. The job isn't done, though, and it is not in Israel's best national interests to grant reprieve to such violent murderous terrorists and terrorist regimes. Iran's ability to fund extensive terrorist networks across multiple different nations' territory remains intact, simply because its economic infrastructure that serves as the basis of its ability to fund terrorism as an integral tool of the Iranian government's chosen foreign policy hasn't been destroyed.
Keep up the superb tactical and strategic successes achieved of late!
Am Yisrael Chai