Chapter 1: The Attack That Changed the Narrative
On a quiet Saturday morning, Israel’s routine was shattered. Iran launched a direct and large-scale missile strike on Israeli territory, marking one of the most overt acts of aggression between the two nations in decades. While Israel has frequently faced rocket fire from non-state actors like Hamas and Hezbollah, a direct strike from the Islamic Republic of Iran represents a significant departure from previous hostilities.
Defense analysts suggest that the Iranian offensive involved multiple ballistic missiles and armed drones, some intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, while others reached populated areas. The targets appeared to be both military and civilian infrastructures, contributing to widespread destruction in various parts of the country.
Within hours, emergency services, military personnel, and civil defense units were deployed across affected regions. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared emergency status in several districts, activating rapid response units and beginning damage assessment procedures. However, the human and material costs were already substantial.