Israel launched three waves of airstrikes tonight against key Iranian missile installations.

Why did they launch this attack?

April 2024

Already on April 1, the Israelis carried out an airstrike in Damascus, Syria, targeting two generals and seven members of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The strike razed the Iranian consulate in the city, leading to condemnation because it was a diplomatic site generally off-limits.

Two weeks later, in response, more than 170 explosive drones and 120 ballistic missiles were launched by Iran, of which “only a few” entered Israel and “99%” were intercepted by its defense system, according to the IDF.

Around 30 cruise missiles were launched, of which 25 were intercepted outside Israeli borders, the army said, adding that “dozens of rockets” were then launched from Lebanon, hitting the Nevatim air base, where there was only “minor damage”. infrastructure”.

No deaths were reported, but a seven-year-old girl “was seriously injured by shrapnel.”

A coalition including the United States, the United Kingdom and France came together to defend Israel against the attack, and only limited damage was caused to an Israeli air base.

The direct firefights stop there – for now.

October 2024

On September 30, Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, after assassinating its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Hezbollah, a proxy for Iran, had been launching missiles at Israel since the day after the October 7 Hamas attacks.

In response to the ground incursion, Iran launched a barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, causing damage.

Israel promised there would be consequences for the attack, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu saying: “Iran made a major mistake tonight – and it will pay the price.”

The promised retaliation arrived this evening, with strikes against missile installations in three Iranian provinces.