Israeli military says Iran has launched missiles towards Israel | BBC News

Summary

Missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israeli military confirmed the attack, while Israel's Iron Dome defense system attempts to intercept the missiles. The attack follows weeks of rising tensions, including Israeli actions in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy. The US is closely monitoring the situation, with President Biden convening his National Security team. The situation underscores Iran's response to the dismantling of its regional allies, such as Hezbollah, by Israel. The potential for wider conflict looms as Iran launches its missile strike.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Sirens are sounding over Tel Aviv as missiles are launched from Iran into Israel.
• 💣 Israeli military confirms the missile attack, marking a serious escalation in Middle East tensions.
• 📡 The White House had previously warned of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel.
• 🛡 Israel's Iron Dome defense system is being activated to intercept the missiles.
• 💥 The missile type is reported to be ballistic, not cruise missiles or drones, which were used in previous attacks.
• 🚧 The attack follows Israel's recent military incursion into Southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.
• 🇮🇷 Hezbollah and Hamas are Iranian-backed proxies, and their dismantling by Israel has increased tensions.
• 📅 Earlier in April, Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel, mostly intercepted by the Iron Dome.
• 🤝 The US and allies like the UK and France have assisted Israel in defense against previous missile threats.
• 🏛 President Biden is convening a meeting with top US officials to address the situation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video transcript?

The main focus of the transcript is the breaking news about missiles being launched from Iran into Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Israel's military operations against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon.

Who launched missiles towards Israel, and from where?

According to the transcript, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel.

What defenses does Israel have against such missile attacks?

Israel has the Iron Dome defense system, which intercepts missiles and drones. The system is supported by the U.S. and the U.K. in defending against missile attacks.

What recent Israeli actions may have provoked the Iranian missile launch?

Israeli forces recently moved into Southern Lebanon to engage Hezbollah, one of Iran's proxies in the region. Israel also assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, contributing to the escalation.

What role do Hezbollah and Hamas play in this conflict?

Hezbollah and Hamas are proxy organizations backed by Iran in the region. Israel's military actions against these groups have been part of ongoing conflicts.

How did the U.S. respond to the threat of Iranian missile attacks?

U.S. officials had warned earlier about the imminent threat of an Iranian attack on Israel. Following the missile launch, President Biden convened a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and their national security team to discuss the situation.

What type of missiles did Iran reportedly use in the attack?

Iran reportedly used ballistic missiles, not drones or cruise missiles, as was the case in previous attacks.

How effective has the Iron Dome been in the past against missile attacks?

During a similar attack in April, most, if not all, of the missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted and shot down by Israel's Iron Dome system, with support from the U.S., U.K., and other allies.

What concerns have been raised about the potential escalation of conflict?

The transcript highlights growing fears of an all-out war in the Middle East, with escalating tensions between Israel, Iran, and proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

What recent high-profile assassinations have escalated tensions between Israel and Iran?

Recent high-profile assassinations include the killing of Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and military commander Ismail Haniyeh, believed to have been carried out by Israeli forces.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Missile Attack on Israel from Iran Confirmed

Missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli military. The attack, which had been anticipated due to warnings from US officials and the White House, follows heightened tensions in the Middle East. Israeli citizens are urged to seek shelter. The US President and his National Security team are convening to discuss the situation, while Israel’s Iron Dome defense system is actively intercepting the missiles.

05:00

⚔️ Israeli Military Moves into Lebanon Amid Escalation

Israeli forces have recently launched an incursion into southern Lebanon to confront Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. The conflict in Lebanon has escalated over the past few weeks, and Iran's proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas have been targeted. With the killing of Hezbollah's leader, Iran has been under pressure to respond to the increasing dismantling of its regional influence. This missile attack from Iran is believed to be a retaliation.

10:02

💥 Recent Israeli-Iranian Conflicts and Assassinations

This latest Iranian attack may be linked to previous incidents, including the assassination of key Iranian allies by Israel. Notable events include airstrikes on Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Damascus and the assassination of high-ranking figures like the Hezbollah military commander. Iran has been under pressure to retaliate and has launched previous missile and drone strikes. Israel’s response to these provocations has been restrained, but tensions continue to escalate.

Keywords

💡Sirens

Sirens are loud, piercing alarms used to warn of danger or to signal an emergency. In the video, sirens are mentioned as a warning to citizens in Tel Aviv about incoming missiles, indicating a state of alert and urgency. This is a critical element in the narrative as it sets the scene for the imminent threat and response to an attack.

💡Missiles

Missiles are self-propelled, guided weapons systems used to deliver explosive payloads over a distance. The script mentions missiles being launched from Iran into Israel, which is central to the conflict narrative. This keyword is pivotal as it signifies the escalation of hostilities and potential military engagement.

💡Iron Dome

The Iron Dome is an Israeli missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells. The script refers to the Iron Dome as Israel's protective shield against missiles and drones, illustrating the country's defensive capabilities and the ongoing nature of the conflict.

💡Hezbollah

Hezbollah is a Lebanese political and militant group backed by Iran, which is considered a proxy in the region. In the script, Hezbollah is mentioned as one of Iran's proxies, highlighting the complex web of alliances and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict.

💡Proxy

A proxy is a representative or agent acting on behalf of another. In the context of the video, proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas are used to describe groups that act in the interest of larger powers, such as Iran, without direct involvement. This term is important as it underscores the indirect nature of the conflict and the involvement of non-state actors.

💡Imminent Threat

An imminent threat refers to a danger or attack that is about to happen. The script mentions U.S. officials warning of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel, which is a key driver of the narrative. This concept is crucial as it sets the stage for the urgency and the preemptive actions taken by the involved parties.

💡Invasion

An invasion is the act of entering a country or region with hostile intent, often with military force. The script describes Israeli forces moving across the border into Southern Lebanon, which is a significant event in the conflict. This keyword is essential as it marks a major escalation in military actions.

💡Ballistic Missiles

Ballistic missiles are a type of missile that follows a set trajectory and is not guided after launch. The script contrasts ballistic missiles with cruise missiles and drones, highlighting the different types of weaponry used in the conflict. This term is important as it specifies the nature of the attack and the potential scale of destruction.

💡National Security

National security encompasses measures taken by a government to protect its country and interests from threats. The script mentions President Biden convening a meeting with his National Security team, which underscores the gravity of the situation and the strategic response required by the U.S.

💡Tensions

Tensions refer to a state of strained relations or heightened conflict between parties. The script describes the Middle East as 'ratcheting up' in terms of tension, which is a central theme of the video. This keyword is important as it sets the overall tone of the geopolitical climate and the potential for further conflict.

💡Assassination

Assassination is the act of deliberately killing a prominent person, often for political reasons. The script refers to the assassination of key Hezbollah figures, which is a significant event leading to the current situation. This term is crucial as it illustrates the targeted nature of the conflict and the impact on the involved parties.

Highlights

Israeli military confirms missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel.

US officials had earlier warned of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel.

The attack comes after escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israeli forces invading Southern Lebanon to confront Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, has been targeted in recent Israeli actions, including the killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran had previously launched missile and drone strikes on Israel in April, but most were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome.

Reports suggest Iran is using ballistic missiles, not drones or cruise missiles, in this latest attack.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued warnings for citizens to stay close to shelters.

The US Embassy also advised staff to seek shelter due to the potential for missile strikes.

President Joe Biden has convened a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and the National Security team to discuss the Iranian attack.

The conflict has intensified after Israeli forces targeted and dismantled Hezbollah fighters in Southern Lebanon.

Iran faces internal debate, with hawks pushing for retaliation against the systematic dismantling of Hezbollah.

Tensions have risen as Hezbollah and Hamas, both Iranian proxies, have been weakened by Israeli military actions.

Iran's previous missile attack in April saw most missiles intercepted by Israeli, US, British, and French defense systems.

Israeli Iron Dome is actively intercepting missiles, though it is difficult to determine the number of successful strikes.

This latest escalation marks a significant turning point in the conflict, potentially leading to a broader regional war.

Transcripts

I want to show

you the sound and images of sirens there

over Tel Aviv and the Israeli military

says missiles have been launched from

Iran into Israel that information just

coming in in the last 30 seconds and it

is what had been anticipated those

warnings that had come from the White

House us officials say

there was an imminent threat of an

Iranian attack on Israel from Iran and

they warned earlier that official that

there would be serious consequences if

they launched that attack and of course

all of this as the Middle East has

ratchet it up and Ratchet it up in terms

of

tension and of course last night Israeli

forces moved across the border and

started their invasion

into Southern Lebanon to take on

Hezbollah and of course

Hezbollah one of Iran's proxies in the

region just like Hamas in Gaza

and at different stages over the last

few months all eyes have been on Teran

in terms of how they might respond back

in April of course they launched a

missile and drone strike on Israel but

it had been heavily telegra Graft in the

days before and most if not all were

shot down using Israel's Iron Dome but

also the Americans the British helping

Israel in their defense but uh those the

pictures that uh are coming in and

apologies today are so dark and

difficult to make up but uh there the

camera pointing up into the sky as

they try to track these missiles the

axos news agency was reporting about an

hour ago that it would be ballistic

missiles not cruise missiles not drones

that were sent by Iran last time in that

April attack and just in the last 20

minutes uh the IDF had yet another

briefing warning Israelis to stay close

to shelters and to listen to the advice

and the warnings that have been issued

over the last few

hours warning about the potential of

these attacks and saying to people stay

near to the shelters and that was a

warning that also we had heard from the

US Embassy saying to their staff to head

to shelters so all of that had uh been

warned about in the runup to what we're

seeing now but confirmation that the

Israeli military saying missiles have

been launched from Iran into

Israel

and President Biden we're hearing has

convened a meeting with the vice

president Carla Harris and their

National Security team to discuss the

Iranian plans to launch an attack

against

Israel and this of course uh difficult

to make out uh what exactly it is of

course Israel has their Iron Dome that

protective shield that fires up in terms

of any sort of missiles or drones that

are aimed towards Israel so Joe Biden

convening a meeting with his National

Security team we were hearing from axios

that the sorts of missiles that were

anticipated expected would take about 12

minutes to go between Iran and Israel

and these the

pictures

as Israel prepares for those missiles to

actually head into their airspace and of

course the warnings had been that these

attacks could be directed widespread

right across Israel there was no

particular targeted mentioned in the

warnings but you can see regular

flashes in the

air as we have word from the Israeli

military that those missiles have been

launched from Iran into

Israel we have of course our

correspondents in the region we will

talk to them in the next few moments but

of course for weeks now and months there

has been a real worry about the

escalating tensions in the region only

today Antonio gues warning saying we

have to avoid an allout war and of

course the chances of that were greatly

increased after what we've seen in

Lebanon over the last two weeks that

decapitation strategy going after the

leader of Hezbollah killing him Hassan

nazala last Friday we' already seen

before that the pager attacks the

walkie-talkie attacks in Southern

Lebanon and Beirut aimed at so many of

the Hezbollah

Fighters and then we saw the buildup of

Israeli

forces on the border before last night

and the start of that

incursion and now we have the response

that many people had thought might come

earlier from Iran because don't forget

Hezbollah Hamas

their proxies in the region and of

course it has been a huge

blow to Iran that week by week month by

month those proxies have been taken out

I talked to Frank Gardner our security

correspondent he is just coming into the

studio so we'll get his thoughts in a

moment or two but we're staying with

these live pictures because as the

Israelis have said the missiles have

been launched from Iran into Israel you

can hear the sirens in the background as

those

warnings sounding out because uh of

course the Israeli authorities saying to

Citizens anticipate this expect this

that's what they had said over the last

2 3 hours but now it appears as you can

see those

explosions just happening it's very

difficult to work out whether we're

seeing those ballistic missiles actually

striking or whether it's part of the

Iron Dome but Frank Gardner our security

correspondent is here in the studio with

Me Frank you're looking at these

pictures as we are as our viewers are

around the world give me your headline

thoughts first of all as we see one of

those explosions at ground level uh this

is pretty serious um this is exactly the

escalation that almost everyone was

trying to prevent trying to head off

this is why all those countries at the

the UN last week got together came up

with the ceasefire proposal um for Iran

this has been a really difficult dilemma

because the Hawks who appear to have won

um the day in the argument will be

saying we cannot simply sit back and

watch the systematic dismantling of our

closest Ally in the region Hezbollah

they've assassinated the leader they've

taken out the second tier they've taken

out the third tier they did all the

exploding P Pages what we're just going

to sit here and let do this we look weak

the pragmatists such as they are will

have said whoa hang on you know we we

are not as strong as Israel we you know

they could they've already proved they

can hit the houthis from nearly 2,000

kilom away they've already assassinated

isma hania we think inside Teran how did

they do that they've clearly penetrated

our security establishment if we do

something like this they're going to

really Hammer us and now we're going to

see the

results we're watching these pictures

trying to work out how much are the

missiles that Iran has sent how much is

the Iron Dome but I was citing what axos

had reported in the last hour saying

that uh the Western sources talking to

them had said that Iran is expected to

attack with ballistic missiles that will

reach Israel within 12 minutes not the

drones not the cruise missiles that

happened with the last attacks uh back

in in April so just talk about the type

of Weaponry that perhaps we're seeing

here and whether it is different in

terms of the magnitude of the attack

from last time around well we don't know

the numbers yet but last time but when

we refer to last time we're talking

about April so um on April 1st Israel

carried out an air strike on Iran's uh

Consulate in Damascus which killed

several members of the Iranian

revolutionary guards Corp Iran said we

will respond but they telegraphed it

well in advance about 12 days later they

launched a volley of around 300 a mixed

volley of drones ballistic missiles and

cruise missiles um and 99% of these were

shot down by not just Israel but by the

US France the UK Jordan probably the UAE

as well and um so it was ineffective and

there was then enormous diplomatic

pressure on Israel not to go overboard

in responding and start a huge great big

massive Regional War so Israel responded

with a symbolic hit

on it was it was Tiny But it it hit a

facility near Isfahan showing Iran that

it could hit its nuclear facilities if

it chose um but then came the July the

31st assassination in well first there

was one first of all there was the

assassination in beut of Shaker the

number two the military commander in

hisbah an Iranian Ally

followed by July the 31st the

assassination of ishia in Teran and Iran

vowed revenge for that so they've had

their finger kind of on the trigger ever

since July the 31st now they are

watching the systematic dismantling of

herah by their vowed enemy Israel and

there will be enormous pressure on them

to respond and this appears to be their

response which could be extremely

damaging to potentially to Israel but

also to wrong