Israel will determine the timing and nature of its response to the Iranian missile attack, the Israeli army announced on Tuesday in the wake of Iran's rocket attack.

According to a statement delivered by the Israeli army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, 180 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel, with a "small number" hitting areas in central and southern Israel. The majority of the missiles were intercepted by Israel's defense systems, in collaboration with a coalition led by the United States.

Hagari described the attack as a "severe and dangerous escalation," emphasizing that Israel's defense and offensive systems are fully prepared.

"There will be consequences," he warned, adding that Israel's operational plans are ready, and they will strike back "wherever, whenever, and however we choose," as directed by the Israeli government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded firmly to Iran's missile attack, stating that Tehran had made a "grave mistake" and would "pay for it."

"We will stand by the rule we established: whoever attacks us – we will attack them," he declared.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed unwavering support for Israel. Speaking from the White House, Biden acknowledged that active discussions are ongoing on how Israel would respond, but emphasized that Tehran's attack had been "defeated and ineffective." He assured that the U.S. remains "fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel" and its right to defend itself.

On the Iranian side, a warning came from the country's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who characterized the missile strike as a "decisive response" to what he called the "aggressions of the Zionist regime." Pezeshkian asserted that the strike was carried out in defense of Iranian interests and citizens, and cautioned that the missile barrage was merely "a glimpse" of Iran’s capabilities.

"Iran is not warlike, but it will stand firmly against any threat," he said, warning Israel not to provoke further conflict with Tehran.