On Tuesday, October 1, a bombing occurred in Israel, and multiple outlets confirmed that ballistic missiles were fired from Iran. The news comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. As the violence escalated, civilians were ordered to seek shelter. Learn more about the developing situation and why Iran bombed Israel.
Did Iran Attack Israel?
Iran fired ballistic missiles toward Israel on October 1, 2024. Per CBS News, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement, noting that it is “doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.”
The statement continued, “The explosions you hear originate from interceptions or falls [of missiles]. The air defense system detects and intercepts threats all the time,” according to the outlet.
A White House spokesperson informed CBS News that the U.S. noticed “indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.” The White House official added, “We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.”
Why Is Iran Attacking Israel?
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York, issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on October 1, which read, “Iran’s legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime — which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran — has been duly carried out. Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists’ supporters are advised to part ways with the regime.”
What Is the Iron Dome?
Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system was designed to protect itself against any incoming short-range weaponry, according to BBC News. The dome has batteries that are located across Israel. Each battery has launchers to fire interceptor missiles.
The Iron Dome was created following Israel’s 2006 conflict with the militant group Hezbollah. Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus previously said that the “number of Israelis killed and wounded would be far higher if it had not been for the Iron Dome system, which has been a life saver as it always is,” per BBC News.