As Iran launches missiles towards Tel Aviv, the West reacts
Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, in response to the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and other Iranian allies. Israelis piled into bomb shelters and reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.
Israeli air defences were activated and most missiles were intercepted “by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States,” Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. US Navy warships fired about a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles headed toward Israel, the Pentagon said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that Iran “made a big mistake and will pay”, while Tehran said any retaliation would be met with “vast destruction”, raising fears of a wider war.
Washington and the UK responded with full condemnation of the attacks.
I completely condemn Iran’s attack on Israel this evening. pic.twitter.com/cj2R6o5Lfd
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 1, 2024
US Vice President Kamala Harris said, “I’m clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East. I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias.”
Western media coverage immediately faced criticism from pro-ceasefire, pro-Palestine outlets.
One CNN reporter in Tel Aviv vividly described how the Iranian strikes targeted densely populated areas which unfairly and dangerously places civilians lives at risk.
A CNN report has sparked debate over Israel placing military targets, such as Mossad headquarters, in civilian areas.
The Mossad HQ is located in the northern part of Tel Aviv, a densely populated area, raising concerns that Israel may be putting civilians at risk. pic.twitter.com/kqZHS6l4gH— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 1, 2024
Many observed how, for almost a year, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and Israel’s “limited ground incursion” – otherwise known as a boots-on-the-ground invasion – in Lebanon has already led to thousands of deaths and millions misplaced in just a few weeks. Analysts pointed out that since October 7, most Western media has defended Israel’s “right to defend itself” despite the mass loss of life in the region.
No injuries were reported in Israel following and associated with Iran’s attack – but a gun and knife attack in Tel Aviv has killed at least 7 people.
Let’s see how western outlets covered Iran’s attack – and who they decided was retaliating, which itself is media bias on full display. Unless otherwise linked, headlines are front pages on 02/10/2024.
Actually, We Absolutely Do Need to Escalate in Iran
White House vows consequences for Iran’s attack on Israel
US readiness plays ‘significant’ role in fending off Iranian attack on Israel
Israel vows ‘to target Iran’s oil within days in revenge for missile barrage’ as Tehran threatens to strike the entire infrastructure of Netanyahu’s ‘insane regime’ and warns US not to ‘intervene’ amid mounting WW3 fears
Iran vows ‘vast destruction’ if Israel or allies retaliate against missile barrage
Israel vows to retaliate after Iran launches missile attack
The Guardian
Middle East erupts
– Nearly 200 Iranian missiles intercepted over Israel
– IDF begins Lebanon ground assault
– Gunman kills six in Tel Aviv
The Times
The
U.S. threatens ‘severe’ response as Iran attacks Israel
Daily Express
Iran attacks Israel
The Daily Telegraph
Israel invades, Iran retaliates, the world looks on in horror
The Independent
- With a headline like this, it’s a publication worthy of its name.
