**Israel Retaliates Against Iran Following Massive Missile Assault**

Israel has responded to a giant missile attack from Iran with strikes of its own, intensifying the conflict between the two nations. The offensive comes after Iran launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in a two-wave assault last Tuesday. While most of the missiles were intercepted by Israeli and U.S. defense systems, a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank was reported killed.

In anticipation of Israel’s potential counterstrike, the U.S. military had increased its presence in the region over the past few weeks. Israeli officials, gearing up for a potentially significant regional conflict, have indicated a “significant retaliation” is imminent. Possible targets could include oil production facilities and other key locations within Iran.

Early Saturday morning, explosions were reported by Iranian state TV in multiple parts of the country, including the capital, Tehran. This escalation follows an assassination campaign by Israel against high-ranking officials from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

U.S. and Israeli officials hope that Iran's military response to the Israeli strike will be measured, allowing both sides a respite from the ongoing cycle of attacks. However, they are preparing for the possibility of further conflict. President Biden has stated he does not support an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities but mentioned that the U.S. and its allies are considering new sanctions against Iran for its missile assault.

This latest exchange marks the closest point to an all-out regional war between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about further destabilization in the already volatile Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high alert for any further actions.