*Jerusalem, October 1, 2024* – Iran launched a wave of at least 180 missiles targeting Israel on Tuesday evening, causing fires and scattered damage across various locations. Despite the intensity of the assault, Israeli authorities reported no injuries, attributing this to the success of their missile defense systems, which intercepted the majority of the projectiles. However, a few missiles managed to land, according to an Israeli security official.In response to the attack, Israeli officials vowed that Iran would “pay a price” for the missile strike. The escalation marked a significant intensification of hostilities in the region, following Israel’s limited ground operation into southern Lebanon earlier in the day.The Israeli military said the incursion, aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah fighters and dismantling their infrastructure, was concentrated along a narrow strip of land just across the border. However, Israeli authorities also issued evacuation warnings for a much larger area of southern Lebanon, prompting concerns that a broader ground invasion could be imminent.Hezbollah, in turn, denied any significant Israeli presence, claiming its fighters were prepared to repel any Israeli forces. The militant group, which has been exchanging heavy fire with Israel since early October, has intensified its rocket attacks, particularly targeting northern Israeli towns.The missile strike followed a series of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of his top commanders. Israeli officials argue that the ground operation is crucial for ensuring the safety of northern Israeli communities that have been battered by Hezbollah rocket fire since October 8, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee.Lebanon has also seen widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes in the face of relentless Israeli airstrikes. The region remains on edge as both sides continue to prepare for the potential of a larger and more sustained military conflict.