‘A big mistake’ Iran will pay for it, warns Netanyahu

 

 

ISRAEL has vowed to retaliate after Iran launched several waves of missile attacks at Israel on Tuesday night. Hours after the Iranian strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Security Cabinet meeting said: “Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it.” Earlier, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said: “Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.

 

We will respond wherever, whenever and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the Government of Israel.” Israel’s rescue services reported that two people in Tel Aviv were lightly injured by shrapnel, noting that a building in the northern part of the city was damaged. There have been no immediate reports of fatalities in Israel yet. Israel’s Airports Authority issued a statement announcing the closure of the country’s airspace, with incoming flights being redirected to other countries. Due to security concerns, nearby countries of Jordan and Iraq have also announced the temporary closure of their airspace to flights and suspension of air traffic, Xinhua news agency reported. At least 200 ground-to-ground missiles were fired from Iran, activating sirens across the country and sending millions of residents running to shelters, Israel’s Channel 13 TV news reported.

 

Large explosions were heard across the country as a result of either the successful interceptions of some Iranian missiles or the landing of some others in Israeli territory after they bypassed Israeli air defences, the military said. According to IDF, Israeli air defences intercepted “a large number” of the ballistic missiles launched by Iran. The US also participated in the defence of Israel, both by detecting the threat from Iran and intercepting some of the missiles, the IDF said.