Israel-Iran live updates: Netanyahu vows revenge after Tehran launches around 200 missiles at Israel
Keir Starmer warns region on brink as UK confirms its troops responded to Iranian missile strikes on Israel
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed revenge on Iran as the conflict in the Middle East threatened to spiral out of control.
Netanyahu warned Tehran would “pay a price” after it fired around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening following an Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
Millions of Israelis rushed to shelters before explosions caused by Israel’s iron dome air defence system intercepting Iranian missiles lit up the night skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said hypersonic missiles had been used for the first time in the attack. In April, Tehran launched around 300 missiles and drones at Israel.
Meanwhile, UK defence secretary John Healey said British troops “played their part” in preventing further escalation across the Middle East, without elaborating on what exactly they did.
Just minutes before the attack, six people were killed and nine were wounded in a mass shooting and stabbing attack on civilians in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv.
Israel continued its bombing campaign against Beirut’s southern suburbs last night, saying it was hitting “terrorist targets” in districts with a strong Hezbollah presence.
At least six people killed in suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police
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I was traveling with Kamala Harris as the Iran-Israel news broke. This is what happened next
The Independent’s Eric Garcia recounts the moment he — working in the White House press pool — learned of Iran’s attack on Israel and what unfolded shortly after.
Read his account of the day below:
I was on the road with Harris as Iran-Israel news broke. This is what happened next
Political reporter Eric Garcia gives an inside view of the unsexy work of being on pool duty during an action-filled day
IDF says it hit ‘terrorist targets’ in Beirut suburbs
The IDF confirmed early on Wednesday local time that it had hit what it described as “terrorist targets” in the southern suburbs of Beirut. An evacuation warning was reportedly sent to the area prior to the strike.
A strike against Lebanon’s capital on Friday killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
On Tuesday, Iran responded to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon by launching more than 100 missiles at the nation.
Images appear to confirm that Iran used never-before-deployed advanced missiles to strike Israel
Images coming out of Israel following Iran’s missile attack appear to confirm that Tehran deployed its advanced Fattah missiles.
According to reporting by the New York Times, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that they did use the missiles in Tuesday’s attack, and that the missles had never been used prior to the attack.
WATCH: Iran launches 200 missiles into Israel as Netanyahu vows to retaliate
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut
The Israeli military has said it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut in a post on Telegram.
Israeli military calls Iran’s attack ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ and vowed consequences
The Israeli military has called Iran’s attack a “severe and dangerous escalation” and vowed consequences.
Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said: “There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
“Iran and its proxies have been attacking Israel since the 7th of October on 7 fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation'
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed British forces "played their part" on Tuesday evening in "attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East".
In a statement, Mr Healey said: "I completely condemn Iran's attack against Israel.
"British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
"I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
"The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats."
Israel's Netanyahu says Iran made a big mistake and will pay
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran's missile attack on Israel failed and vowed retaliation.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it," he said at the outset of a political-security meeting. "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies."
Starmer says he and German Chancellor condemn Iran’s attack on Israel
Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening.
"The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran's attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel's security," a spokesperson said.
"The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody's interest and that all sides should show restraint.
"On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
"They agreed to speak soon."
Watch: Harris says Iran ‘dangerous and de-stabling influence in Middle East’
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