Israel and its international allies and partners thwarted a massive Iranian attack on Oct. 1, 2024. Israeli political and military leaders pledged retaliation. Iran “made a big mistake – and it will pay for it,” warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We will keep to the rule we have determined: Whoever attacks us – we attack them.”
The Israeli military, with assistance from U.S. and Jordanian forces, intercepted the majority of some 180 ballistic missiles launched by the Revolutionary Guards. Two Israelis were lightly wounded by shrapnel in Tel Aviv. But no Israeli fatalities were reported. One Palestinian civilian in the West Bank city of Jericho was killed.
Jerusalem acknowledged a small number of impacts in central and southern Israel but did not provide specific figures. The military that its airbases were operating as normal. No aircraft, munitions or critical infrastructure were damaged. Iran’s primary targets appeared to be the headquarters of the Mossad spy agency in Tel Aviv, Tel Nof Air base in central Israel, and Nevatim Air Base in the southern Negev Desert, which houses advanced F-35 warplanes. Iran said that Hatzerim Air Base in the Negev Desert was also a target. The following are remarks by Israeli leaders on Iran’s attack.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Oct. 1, 2024: “This evening, Iran again attacked Israel with hundreds of missiles. This attack failed. It was thwarted thanks to Israel's air defense array, which is the most advanced in the world. I commend the IDF for the impressive achievement. It was also thwarted thanks to your alertness and responsibility, citizens of Israel. I also thank the US for its support in our defensive effort.
“This evening, Iran made a big mistake – and it will pay for it. The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact a price from our enemies.
“[Yahya] Sinwar and [Mohammed] Deif did not understand this; neither did [Hassan] Nasrallah or Mohsen [Fakhrizadeh]. Apparently, there are those in Tehran who do not understand this either. They will.
“We will keep to the rule we have determined: Whoever attacks us – we attack them. This is true wherever we fight the axis of evil. It is true in Judea and Samaria. It is true in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria – and it is also true in Iran. We are fighting the axis of evil everywhere, including in southern Lebanon and Gaza, where our heroic soldiers are active.
“Today, more than ever, the forces of light in the world must unite and work together against the ayatollahs' dark regime, which is the source of terror and evil in our region. They must stand alongside Israel. The choice has never been more clear, between tyranny and freedom, between the blessing and the curse.
“On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, I say to you, citizens of Israel: Israel has the momentum and the axis of evil is in retreat. We will do whatever needs to be done to continue this trend. To achieve all of our war objectives, especially the return of all of our hostages, and ensure our existence and our future.”
Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari
Oct. 1, 2024: “Iran launched a large scale attack with over 180 ballistic missiles, directly from Iranian soil, at the State of Israel. There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel and some other hits in the south of Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and the defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences…We will respond wherever, whenever and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”
Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari regarding Iran’s large-scale… pic.twitter.com/A8pyC7eawI— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024
“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 seventh of October on seven fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything, everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi
Oct. 2, 2024: “Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at the State of Israel yesterday. Iran attacked civilian areas and endangered the lives of many citizens. Thanks to proper civilian behavior and high-quality defenses, the damage was relatively minor. We will respond, we know how to locate important targets, we know how to strike with precision and power.
“I visited Tel Nof Airbase before the holiday began. The base is fully operational, it has not ceased to operate for a moment, and continues to carry out strikes wherever required. We have the capabilities to reach and strike any point in the Middle East. And those of our enemies who have not yet understood this, will soon understand.
“On the eve of the holiday, the IDF is operating and striking on all fronts. IDF soldiers will mark the holiday in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and on all the borders, with reinforced forces and heightened readiness.
“We are fighting, and we know that this holiday is not complete without the hostages. We are committed to continuing to do everything to bring them back.”
Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon
Oct. 1, 2024: “Iran has now launched an attack against Israel. We are ready and prepared defensively and offensively. We will take all necessary measures to protect the citizens of Israel. As we have previously made clear to the international community, any enemy that attacks Israel should expect a severe response.”
Foreign Minister Israel Katz
Oct. 1, 2024: “The Ayatollah regime has crossed the red line.”
“The State of Israel will not remain silent in the face of Iran’s brutal attack on our citizens.”