In 2024, tensions have been on the rise between Iran and Israel, as the ongoing war in Gaza has cast its shadow over the decades-long rivalry between the two countries.
In an unprecedented escalation, Iran and Israel engaged in a series of tit-for-tat attacks over the course of 2024, bringing the Middle East to the brink of an all-out regional war.
Below is a preview of the key highlights from the Iran-Israel conflict in 2024:
Targeting Iranian Consulate
The escalation cycle started on April 1, 2024, when Israel targeted an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria. The strike killed 7 Iranian officers, including two IRGC high-ranking commanders.
Although Israel did not claim responsibility, Iran blamed Tel Aviv for the attack and vowed revenge, putting Israel and its main ally, the US, on high alert.
Iran, Israel Exchange Missile Strikes
On April 13, 2024, Iran launched a large-scale attack on Israel. The attack involved 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and over 120 ballistic missiles.
Israel, with the help of the US and its allies, managed to intercept most of the weapons, claiming that “the missiles caused minor damage only.”
However, Iranian top military commanders deemed the attack on Israel “a success.” The attack was Iran’s first direct assault on Israeli territories.
In response, Israel launched a limited strike on April 19, 2024, targeting an army base in northwest Isfahan, home to a nuclear facility. However, Iranian media said that all nuclear facilities were “secure” and not affected by the attack.
Assassination of Haniyeh
On July 31, 2024, the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran, after a strike hit the guesthouse where he was staying. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Hamas and Iranian officials blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s assassination, although Israel did not publicly claim responsibility.
Iran-Israel Biggest Escalation
The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, in addition to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian senior commanders in Lebanon, and the Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon led to the biggest escalation in the conflict so far.
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched a barrage of around 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. The missiles hit military bases and other installations in Israel.
Iranian state media claimed that 90% of the missiles hit their targets, including Nevatim, Hatzerim and Tel Nof airbases, as well as Israeli tanks in Netzarim and gas installations in the southern city of Ashkelon.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that “the majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.”
Israel’s Response
Although Iran repeatedly warned Israel against any retaliatory attacks on Iranian territories, Israel responded with three waves of direct airstrikes against Iran’s capital, Tehran, on October 26, 2024.
Israel’s military said it targeted missile manufacturing sites, surface-to-air missile sites and additional Iranian aerial capabilities in Iran. It warned Tehran that Israel would respond to any new escalation.
On the other hand, Iran downplayed the impact of the strikes, saying it only caused “limited damage.”
