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Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: Israel response to Iran will 'come fast,' official says

Israel said damage from Iran's missile barrage was minimal.

Last Updated: October 2, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT

Iran launched the largest missile attack on Israel to date on Tuesday, with hundreds of missiles fired into the country, according to Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

Iran said the unprecedented attack was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah, including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Sirens sounded across Israel and some citizens were urged to seek shelter in protected areas. Most of the missiles were intercepted, but "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed," an Israeli security official said.

The U.S. fired missiles to help Israel defend itself against the missile attack, according to the Pentagon's Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

4:57 AM EDT

IDF says it hit 'munitions production sites' in Beirut

Recent airstrikes in southern Beirut targeted "munitions production sites and other terrorist infrastructures," according to an Israel Defense Forces statement published on Wednesday morning.

People check the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb of Shayyah, Lebanon on Oct. 2, 2024.
-/AFP via Getty Images

"Fighter jets of the air force, under the precise intelligence guidance of the intelligence division, carried out a series of targeted attacks in recent days throughout Beirut," the IDF wrote.

Beirut -- and particularly its southern suburb of Dahiya -- has faced intense airstrikes in recent days as Israeli warplanes target what the IDF says are a variety of Hezbollah-associated targets.

The southern suburbs were also the site of the airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sept. 27.

3:31 AM EDT

'Israel is coming,' opposition leader says after Iran attacks

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Iran will "pay a significant and heavy price" for Tuesday's ballistic missile attack.

"With our military capabilities, our defense industries, the support of our allies and in particular the strength of our incredible people -- we know that even when the cost is high, we will win," Lapid wrote on X.

"Tehran knows that Israel is coming," he added. "The response needs to be tough and it should send an unequivocal message to the terror axis in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza and in Iran itself."

A man walks past a damaged school in Israel's southern city of Gedera on Oct. 2, 2024, after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.
John Wessels/AFP via Getty Images

"Alongside that response, we need to develop a coherent regional strategy which translates military successes into a strategic victory, into change in the region. And we must not forget, not even for a moment, the urgent need to bring our hostages home."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Oct 01, 2024, 10:42 PM EDT

Defense Sec. Austin says Iran should 'halt any further attacks'

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has called on Iran to "halt any further attacks" following its missile strike on Israel.

"U.S. forces in the Middle East intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran toward Israel, as we fulfilled our commitment to partner with Israel in its defense. We condemn this outrageous act of aggression by Iran, and we call on Iran to halt any further attacks, including from its proxy terrorist groups," Austin said in his statement. "We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region."

Austin said he is "deeply proud" of the U.S. troops involved in helping save lives by intercepting missiles launched at Israel.

"Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the Middle East, and the Department maintains significant capability to defend our people, provide further support for Israel’s self-defense, and deter further escalation," Austin added. "I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to consult with our allies and partners."

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Oct 01, 2024, 8:37 PM EDT

IDF issues more evacuation orders south of Beirut

The Israel Defense Forces just issued more evacuation orders for communities south of Beirut early Wednesday local time.

The orders come after the IDF said it was conducting strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

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