Iran's Missile Attack on Israel: Escalation in Middle East Tensions

Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepting rockets over Ashkelon, Israel, on Tuesday evening, during heightened tensions with Iran. (Photo: Reuters)

Iran's Missile Attack on Israel

Introduction

On Tuesday, 1st October 2024, Iran escalated tensions in the Middle East with a significant missile strike on Israel. The attack was in retaliation for Israel's recent military operations, which included the targeted killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. This event has sparked renewed fears of wider regional instability.

The Attack

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, making it one of the most severe escalations in recent memory. The missiles targeted key urban centres and military installations, with Iran claiming they had aimed at critical security sites. The IRGC also deployed hypersonic missiles and initiated a cyber offensive aimed at disrupting Israel’s infrastructure, intensifying the severity of the attack.

Targeted Areas and Damage

While Israel’s highly sophisticated air defence systems intercepted most of the missiles, some impacts were reported in central and southern regions, particularly near Tel Aviv. Two civilians were injured from debris, though the overall damage was limited. Iranian officials claimed a high success rate in striking their intended targets, including military installations. However, Israel disputes the extent of Iran’s claims, highlighting the defensive measures that mitigated the threat.

Israel's Defence Systems and Iron Dome Effectiveness

Israel’s air defence system, led by the Iron Dome and bolstered by U.S. naval support in the Mediterranean, intercepted the majority of Iranian missiles. This defence displayed the robustness of Israel’s multi-layered system, which includes the Iron Dome for short-range threats and systems like Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 for longer-range missiles.

The attack contrasts sharply with the events of 7th October 2023, when Hamas overwhelmed the Iron Dome with a massive rocket barrage, firing between 2,200 and 5,000 rockets within a 20-minute window. This "saturation attack" revealed the Iron Dome’s vulnerability when faced with an overwhelming volume of simultaneous threats, showcasing the limits of even the most advanced systems.

Iran's Missile Arsenal

Iran's missile capabilities are extensive, ranging from short- to long-range ballistic and cruise missiles capable of hitting targets across the Middle East. Missiles like the Sejil, with a range of 2,000 km, and the newly developed hypersonic Fattah-2, have the potential to reach Israel and U.S. bases. The sheer range and variety of Iran’s missile arsenal signify its intent to maintain a credible deterrent and strike capability across the region.

Israel's Multi-layered Missile Defence

In addition to the Iron Dome, Israel’s defensive capabilities include Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which are designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. Along with David’s Sling and Patriot batteries, Israel’s defence network is one of the most advanced in the world. During the recent attack, these systems intercepted the majority of Iranian missiles, further supported by U.S. forces. Despite this, a few isolated impacts were recorded, underscoring the intensity of the missile barrage.

Netanyahu's Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency security cabinet following the attack, warning Iran that it would "pay the price" for its aggression. Netanyahu’s rhetoric highlighted Israel’s determination to retaliate decisively and protect its sovereignty. His response underscored Israel's resolve to defend itself against all regional threats, with further consequences likely in the coming days.

U.S. Involvement and Statements

The United States played a critical role in Israel’s defence, with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirming close coordination between American and Israeli forces. President Joe Biden reiterated the U.S.’s steadfast support for Israel, affirming that the U.S. would continue to back its ally in the face of escalating threats. U.S. military officials also lauded the effectiveness of the combined defensive efforts, which prevented more significant damage.

Regional and Global Implications

The Iranian missile strike, and the subsequent Israeli response, have raised the spectre of a broader conflict in the region. Hezbollah, Iran’s main ally in Lebanon, continues to engage in hostilities by launching rockets into northern Israel. Israeli ground forces have also expanded operations in southern Lebanon. Proxy groups in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria have issued further threats against U.S. interests, increasing concerns of a multi-front war.

International Response and the UN Security Council's Limitations

Global leaders have responded with urgent calls for restraint. The United Nations Secretary-General has called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that unchecked escalation could lead to a more destructive regional conflict. However, this crisis once again highlights the inefficacy of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in resolving significant conflicts like those in the Middle East and Ukraine. Vetoes and geopolitical divisions among permanent members have rendered the UNSC virtually powerless in facilitating long-term peace or enforcing meaningful actions.

In both the Middle East and Ukraine, the UNSC has been sidelined by conflicting interests among global powers. In the case of Ukraine, Russia’s veto power has repeatedly blocked resolutions, while in the Middle East, divisions among the U.S., Russia, and China have stifled any unified international approach. The failure of the UNSC to prevent or even mediate these conflicts highlights a growing paralysis in global governance structures.

Outlook: The Road Ahead

As both Israel and Iran consider their next moves, the international community remains hopeful for de-escalation. Yet, with Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies already engaged, the possibility of the conflict expanding into a full-scale regional war is real. Whether cooler heads will prevail depends largely on the decisions made by the key actors involved, rather than any diplomatic resolutions from the UNSC or other international bodies.

The missile attack by Iran serves as a reminder that in today's complex geopolitical environment, even the most advanced defence systems and international frameworks can be challenged by deep-seated conflicts and powerful regional rivalries.