Iran ‘TORCHES’ Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem | 4th Wave Of Ballistic Missiles ‘CRIPPLE’ Iron Dome

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran has launched a fourth wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s major cities, including Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. The unprecedented barrage, described by Iranian state media as “Operation Torch,” has overwhelmed sections of Israel’s famed Iron Dome missile defense system, resulting in extensive damage, casualties, and a new level of regional uncertainty.

The Attack Unfolds

The missile strikes began just after midnight local time, catching many residents in Israel’s urban centers off guard. Air raid sirens blared across the country as hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles, reportedly launched from Iranian territory and allied militias in Lebanon and Syria, streaked across the night sky.

Eyewitnesses in Haifa described massive explosions, fires, and chaos as emergency services struggled to respond to simultaneous impacts across the city. “We heard a roar, then the ground shook,” said Miriam Cohen, a Haifa resident. “Flames were everywhere, and people were screaming.”

Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic heart, was also hit hard. Several high-rise buildings suffered direct hits, and portions of the city’s infrastructure—including power grids and transportation hubs—were severely damaged. Jerusalem, home to sites sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, was not spared. The city’s emergency rooms quickly filled with wounded civilians, and historic neighborhoods suffered collateral damage.

Iron Dome Overwhelmed

Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, long regarded as one of the world’s most effective, faced its greatest challenge yet. Military officials confirmed that while the system intercepted a significant number of incoming projectiles, the sheer volume and sophistication of the fourth wave overwhelmed its capacity.

“We have never seen an attack of this scale and intensity,” said Brigadier General Eyal Ben-David, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “Our air defenses are working around the clock, but when faced with hundreds of simultaneous launches, some inevitably get through.”

Footage circulating on social media showed Iron Dome batteries firing incessantly into the night sky, with some missiles slipping past the defenses and striking their targets.

Casualties and Damage

Preliminary reports from Israeli authorities indicate that at least 200 people have been killed, with thousands more injured. Hospitals in all three cities are operating at full capacity, and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency crews search for survivors in the rubble.

Major fires continue to burn in Haifa’s industrial district, and power outages have left parts of Tel Aviv in darkness. The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency and called for international assistance.

Iran’s Statement

Iranian officials, speaking through state-run media, claimed responsibility for the attacks, framing them as retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon. “The Zionist regime has crossed our red lines,” said Iranian Defense Minister Amir Ali Hajizadeh. “Tonight’s operation is just the beginning. We will continue until our objectives are met.”

Global Reaction

The United States, European Union, and United Nations have all called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged both sides to exercise restraint. President Joe Biden condemned the attacks and pledged support for Israel, while also calling on all parties to avoid further escalation.

The international community is now bracing for the possibility of a wider conflict, as regional powers mobilize and diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes.

What’s Next?

As dawn breaks over Israel, the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed. The Israeli cabinet is meeting in emergency session, and military reservists have been called up. Many fear that this latest exchange could spiral into a broader regional war.

For the millions affected on both sides, the priority remains survival and the hope that diplomacy can prevail before further tragedy unfolds.