### Iran's Missile Strike on Israel Breaches Defenses, Hits Air Bases

In a revealing display of military capability, Iran's recent missile strike on Israel demonstrated significant advancements over previous attacks. Videos circulating on social media, verified by NPR and Bellingcat, show multiple warheads landing near key Israeli air bases: Nevatim Airbase in the south and Tel Nof Airbase in central Israel. One video even suggested potential secondary explosions at Tel Nof, indicating that ammunition or fuel stores might have been hit.

Despite the Iranian missiles penetrating Israeli defenses more effectively than an attack in April, some warheads still missed crucial targets. Strikes in northern Tel Aviv near Mossad's headquarters left only large craters and did little real damage.

Experts acknowledge that Iranian missiles caused more damage this time, compared to the largely neutralized assault earlier this year. Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, attributes this to Iran's use of newer, more sophisticated missiles. These potentially more accurate warheads struck maintenance areas and office buildings at several Israeli air bases, though no aircraft were reportedly destroyed.

Both U.S. and Israeli officials attempted to downplay the impact. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan described the attack as "defeated and ineffective." Reports suggest the U.S. fired interceptors from warships to counter the assault. An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, emphasized that Israeli air force bases remain fully operational.

The attack challenges Israel's well-regarded Iron Dome system, which excels against slower, lower-flying rockets from nearby adversaries. However, Iranian ballistic missiles, like the latest solid-propellant Fattah, travel much faster and can maneuver to avoid interceptors. Israel's Arrow system, though capable of engaging these threats, has fewer interceptors than Iron Dome.

During the April offensive, Iran used about 100 ballistic missiles plus 200 drones and cruise missiles, mostly neutralized by Israeli air defenses. This time, Iran launched around 180 ballistic missiles, testing Arrow's limits further.

Additionally, new solid-propellant missiles contributed to the attack's effectiveness. Unlike the less accurate, liquid-fueled missiles used in April, these new missiles, potentially including the advanced Fattah, were more precise. Some researchers link this recent strike to a response against Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah's leadership.

Though generally avoiding civilian areas, the strike did result in some collateral damage. A Palestinian man in the West Bank was reportedly killed by falling debris, and a school in central Israel was hit but without casualties.

Experts predict Israel will respond forcefully. Following the April attack, Israel targeted Iran's air defense radar near Natanz, sending a clear message of its military reach. Lerner hinted at imminent Israeli retaliation, stating, "One hundred and eighty [missiles] means there will be consequences."