Yes, they are, and that is a bad thing, and the point about the proxies taking steps in that direction is significant. I would just really rather see de-escalation than escalation (and, in both Israel and Iran’s case, a change in government—with Israel, I’d be content to get rid of Netanyahu, but Iran has rather more problematic people and institutions).
That only means anything when countries have diplomatic relations, which Iran and Israel haven’t had since 1979. You have to recognize a country to declare war on it.
Just heard from someone in the West Bank that there are sirens and he heard a bomb going off. I don’t see it reported on the live feed I was looking it at, but it does seem like retaliation is in progress.
//i\\
For example, their proxies in Yemen have now fired a ballistic missile at Israel, which makes 1 ballistic missile fired at Israel (if Iran is still capable of doing so, although hopefully they are not, the assumption appears to be they may make their own attempt tonight). I heard on the radio earlier that Hezbollah had told Reuters they were staying out of this one, but that seems to be unconfirmed; presumably they are not eager for another round after making the mistake of throwing in with Hamas, and/or are sufficiently degraded that “their fullest extent” does not amount to much.
Israel seems to have taken as a lesson from 1973 the ability to, and importance of, shut down an opponent’s air defenses at will; the IAF is currently operating unchallenged over Iran, and has been engaging Iranian ballistic missile launchers as targets of opportunity over the course of the day. It does appear that additional nuclear infrastructure sites have been struck, including the one at Fordow; with Natanz, this is Iran’s other uranium enrichment facility.
(edited to clarify this is general context, not directed at @Babale, who I imagine does not need Iran’s capabilities explained to them)
The alarms in Jerusalem and the West Bank currently are due to Houthi missiles from Yemen. Iran sent some drones to the North earlier but they were shot down.
The Iranian launch sites are still being hit (Iran’s military sites and nuclear facilities have continued taking fire over the last 16 hours). So their response is going to be limited until the Israeli strikes slow down. (Though, the government did warn the citizens multiple times now not to get complacent or overconfident - the big Iranian counterattack will come eventually).
As amazing as it would be if we completely smashed up their ballistic missiles, I think that just because they can’t launch a significant wave while under Israeli fire doesn’t mean they won’t be able to counterattack once Israel slows down.
Yeah, part of this is the way that Hezbollah’s and, to a lesser extent, the Houthis’ capabilities have been significantly degraded by Israel over the last few months.
If Iran thought that they could set off October 7, fight for a while, and then go back to the status quo - they were sorely mistaken. Their Axis is being dismantled, and now their failsafe - their nuclear weapons programs - is being heavily targeted. I just hope it will be enough.
It’s pretty amazing. I know Israel severely degraded their anti-air capabilities in the last go around, but this is just next level.
No worries, I didn’t take it that way at all! Some good analysis there.
Which, as an update, appears to have hit: the West Bank town of سعير (Sa’ir), causing injuries but thankfully no fatalities, according to the Red Crescent.
Yes, right outside of Hebron.
Meanwhile, Iran says the head of their Quds Force was killed, too.
Updated Israeli activity today. 2nd phase of operation.
Included is footage of Israeli C-130s returning from Iran - most likely exfiltration of commando teams.
Why now? The NYTimes reported that:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in a recorded video statement that he had issued a directive to his security chiefs in November 2024 instructing them to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. The attack was originally planned for late April but did not take place then for various reasons, he said, without elaborating.
That same page also said:
The Pentagon is positioning warships and other military assets in the Middle East to help protect Israel, and American troops, from possible Iranian retaliation to Israeli strikes, U.S. officials said on Friday.
The naval destroyer U.S.S. Thomas Hudner was directed to move to the Eastern Mediterranean, and a second destroyer may soon follow, the officials said. The Air Force will most likely move additional fighter aircraft to the region soon, one official said.
So the U.S. is already involved.
Iranian missiles are on their way, citizens were ordered to take shelter.
With reference to the above =/
Interceptions and at least one impact in Tel Aviv.
There was a vote over whether to dissolve Netanyahu’s government in the Knesset yesterday. It would not be surprising in the slightest if Netanyahu picked to point just before the vote for his attack in order to “look tough” and rally support. If so, it worked.
About 100 launches in the first wave. Another wave has been detected. Citizens are warned to remain in shelter.
Current update;
25 minutes ago, Iran launched 150 missiles at Israel. So far, only minor damage
is being reported live on Israeli radio (after approval by military censors, to make sure that no info is broadcast which will let Iran improve its aim).
10 minutes ago, Iran launched a second wave of missiles, which will hit Israel in the next few minutes.
Most of the country is under instructions to remain in shelters and safe rooms.
My cat is very confused. 
And I wish I could say that it’s funny to watch her scratching at the door of the bomb shelter.
Television reports seven sites and seven injuries including panic induced injuries, all light.
As you note, they’re releasing very little info about the specific locations to avoid giving the Iranians any help with their aim.
The first wave was targeted at the center of the country, the second is targeted North.
I don’t disagree, but it does look like the danger Iran presents right now does seem like a great danger to Israel. What happens after this… who knows? Netanyahu has plenty of opportunities to promote future dangers as an excuse to stay in power though. It’s a little surprising that vote was held right now.
The vote was pushed by Netanyahu’s opposition, not by him or his supporters.
Meanwhile, we now have a third wave.
I don’t think that the (failed) vote to dissolve the government and call new elections was related to Iran. Attacking Iran was a massive logistical problem that couldnt be turned on and off quickly..it required coordinating with split-second timing of hundreds of planes, radar screens,thousands of soldiers,etc,and many, (maybe hundreds) of undercover spies on the ground in Iran.And probably hundreds of American military electronic techs.
Also, the vote to disolve was not really aimed at Bibi. It was aimed at a certain sector of the voters, and was basically a power play of internal politicking among the 3 parties of religious fanatics.
Well if course.
Axios global correspondent Barak Ravid, citing Israeli (edit: and now US) officials, reports on Twitter that US forces are assisting in defending against the Iranian attack, which has so far injured around 15 people.