Missile Attack: US Vows to Support Israel in Response to Iran’s Strike.

By Caroline Ameh

The United States has pledged to assist Israel in retaliating against Iran following its missile attack on Israel, warning of “severe consequences” for Tehran. The Biden administration indicated that it would collaborate with Israel to hold Iran accountable for the attack, which saw approximately 180 ballistic missiles launched toward the Jewish state.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the US’s commitment during a press briefing at the White House, stating, “There will be severe consequences for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that case.” The missile strikes have heightened concerns of a broader regional conflict.

This is not the first time the US has backed Israel against Iranian aggression. In April, Washington helped Israel thwart a previous Iranian attack but then urged restraint to avoid escalating tensions. This time, however, Biden officials are not just affirming Israel’s right to respond but signaling direct support for any military response Israel chooses to undertake.

Israel Deploys Troops, Vows Retaliation

Israel, in the wake of the missile strikes, vowed that Iran “will pay” for its actions. On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced the deployment of new ground forces into southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, operates. The move comes amid rising fears that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned the US to refrain from involvement, cautioning that any retaliation against its missile attack will trigger an even more severe response. Tensions remain high as both nations brace for potential escalation.

Though many of the nearly 200 ballistic missiles were intercepted by US forces, one Palestinian was reportedly killed in the West Bank, and a school in central Israel sustained damage.

Clashes on the Ground

Hezbollah, which is heavily involved in the conflict, claimed it repelled Israeli forces attempting to advance on a Lebanese border town. This marks the first ground skirmishes between the two sides since the latest surge in violence.

Overnight, Israel launched new strikes on Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, following weeks of aerial bombardments. Lebanese officials report that the ongoing strikes have resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced around 1 million people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.