Iran launched a major ballistic missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, heightening tensions in the Middle East and dealing a blow to President Biden’s efforts to prevent a wider regional war and bring the conflict in Gaza to a close. The strikes follow Israel’s intensified military operations against Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen.
Biden now faces the dilemma of balancing his commitment to end the Gaza war with his pledge to support Israel’s defense amid increasing hostilities. On Tuesday, he spent hours in the Situation Room as U.S. intelligence warned that Iran was preparing to retaliate for the death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
In response to the missile barrage, which saw nearly 200 rockets fired, Biden directed the U.S. military to assist Israel in its defense. Israel and U.S. forces managed to intercept most of the missiles, and Biden later reassured the public that the attack was largely thwarted. “The United States is fully supportive of Israel,” he said.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan described the attack as a significant escalation, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a grave mistake and would face consequences.
Escalation Amid Gaza Conflict
Since the deadly October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas in southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people, the Biden administration has tried to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, negotiations have stalled, with Hamas refusing to release hostages and Israel determined to continue its military campaign in Gaza. The conflict has already claimed more than 40,000 lives in Gaza, according to local health officials.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in southern Lebanon, has continued firing rockets into northern Israel, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes.
Israel’s Counterattacks
While initially avoiding further escalation with Hezbollah, Israel launched a strategic assault on the group’s leadership in mid-September. The Israeli military disrupted Hezbollah’s communications, killing over 40 of its leaders and striking key military targets in Lebanon. Israel’s targeted airstrike later killed Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s top leader, further inflaming tensions.
What’s Next for Israel?
Iran’s direct missile attack is not unprecedented; a similar strike occurred in April, after which Israel retaliated by hitting sensitive military sites in Iran. As Israel gears up for further confrontations, it is likely to deploy more advanced strategies, including cyber warfare, to neutralize threats from Iran and its proxies.
While Biden seeks a diplomatic solution, analysts predict that Israel will continue to increase pressure on Iran before any de-escalation can occur.
