BREAKING: Iran launches ballistic missile barrages at Northern Israel as regional tensions escalate

Middle East

TEL AVIV, Israel (NPA) — The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said its air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward northern Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two regional adversaries.

According to the IDF, air raid sirens were activated across several areas of the country after missiles were detected heading toward Israeli territory.

“The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement.

Israeli authorities did not immediately provide details on casualties or damage resulting from the missile barrage.

Iran said the attacks were carried out in response to recent Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, areas known to be strongholds of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The latest exchange follows a series of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.

Earlier, the IDF announced that it had struck a Hezbollah command centre following rocket attacks launched by the group against communities in northern Israel.

According to the Israeli military, the facility was being used by Hezbollah operatives to coordinate attacks against Israeli civilians and troops operating in southern Lebanon.

The IDF also disclosed that its operations uncovered what it described as an extensive underground Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge area.

Israeli military officials said the tunnel complex included living quarters, water and electricity infrastructure, as well as anti-tank and air defence systems allegedly intended for use against Israeli forces and civilian targets.

The military further alleged that the network was built with Iranian support and located near areas where the Lebanese Armed Forces operate.

According to the IDF, Israeli authorities had previously requested that the Lebanese military address the site as part of efforts to enforce existing agreements between Israel and Lebanon.

However, the military claimed that Hezbollah prevented such action from being taken.

The latest developments underline the growing volatility across the region amid heightened military confrontations involving Israel, Iran and Iran-backed armed groups operating in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.

More details are expected as the situation continues to unfold, especially Isreal’s immediate response.