Jerusalem: Following a major missile assault from Iran, Israel has reopened its airspace, signalling a tentative return to normalcy. Flights are expected to resume within the next hour, after operations were suspended at Ben Gurion Airport during the missile onslaught. Sirens had blared across Tel Aviv, and civilians were ordered into bomb shelters for protection, but they have since been told it is safe to emerge.
Iran claims to have struck key military targets, including tanks in the Netzarim corridor, the Mossad headquarters, and an Israeli fleet of 20 F-35 fighter jets. However, Israeli authorities have not confirmed these claims. In Tel Aviv, emergency services reported two people with minor injuries from shrapnel, though no major casualties have been announced.
Trump and Biden React
Former US President Donald Trump criticised the current US administration’s response to the situation, stating, “The world is on fire, and American leadership is absent.” Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has ordered the US military to intercept any further Iranian missiles. Biden reaffirmed American support for Israel, stating, “The United States stands ready to help protect Israel from Iranian missile attacks and safeguard our forces in the region.”
IDF Response
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed they will retaliate for the Iranian missile strikes. IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagary assured citizens that Israel would “decide the time and place” of its counterattack. “We will protect our people,” he stated, adding that Israel remains vigilant in both defence and offence.
Escalation Fears
The missile barrage came amid warnings from Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards that further retaliation from Israel would prompt even deadlier attacks. The Iranian military has claimed this was only the first phase of its assault, threatening a larger strike if Israel responds. Jordan, too, has suspended air traffic, bracing for potential escalation in the region.
Despite the gravity of the attack, Israel’s decision to reopen its airspace signals a shift towards stabilisation. The next few hours will be crucial as the world watches to see how Israel and its allies, including the United States, will respond to the continued threat from Iran.