Iran Launches Missile Barrages Toward Israel, Threatening Peace Talks After April Ceasefire

Iran launched several barrages of missiles toward Israel on Sunday night for the first time since a ceasefire took effect in early April, threatening to complicate efforts to broker a peace deal aimed at ending the war.

“Toggle Play Videos show missiles launched from Iran into Israel Iranian media has released video showing missiles being launched towards Israel, while videos captured incoming missiles making impact in northern Israel”

Al Jazeera

The Washington Post reported the apparent attack was Tehran’s first such strike in two months, and the BBC said it was the first time Iran had fired missiles toward Israel since the ceasefire announced on April 8.

Al Jazeera

The BBC also reported that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem would be closed on Monday due to the "current security situation in Israel" and that the embassy directed U.S. government employees to "shelter in place, and be prepared to move to a protected shelter".

In Israel, sirens sounded in several areas after the launches, and the Israeli military said it intercepted the missiles and that multiple explosions were heard in the north, according to AP.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News that Israel should not retaliate against Iran after the missile barrage, saying, "We don't need another one," and adding, "Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate."

Trump also told the Financial Times that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have to accept whatever deal the U.S. negotiates with Iran, saying, "He won't have any choice," and that he "calls the shots."

AP News

At the same time, CNN reported that former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel must show it is a "sovereign state capable of defending itself," while far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir said, "Tonight Tehran must burn."

CNN further reported that Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats party, said Israel’s enemies had recognized that "Netanyahu is a weak and failed leader" and that the government lacks "the authority to drag Israel into another war."

The Guardian reported that the first such bombardment since early April came after Israel struck the southern suburbs of Beirut earlier Sunday despite its ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, and it said the Lebanon health ministry reported two people killed and 20 others wounded.

“We're getting some pictures now of pro-government demonstrations taking place in Tehran, following the Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs”

BBC

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that if Israel escalates its offensives in Lebanon or responds to Iran’s actions, it will face "more crushing and regretful blows," while Iran’s foreign ministry said its armed forces hit several "military targets" north of the "occupied Palestinian terroritories".

AP said the missile launches raised the possibility of a return to heavy fighting and complicated mediation efforts to end the war, and it reported that Iran closed its western airspace to brace for a possible response.

In parallel, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem directed employees and family members to shelter in place, and the BBC reported the embassy would be closed on Monday because of the "current security situation in Israel" as negotiations and mediation efforts faced new strain.