Canadian Defence Minister Describes Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel as a Major Escalation Event
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair expressed growing concern over developments in the Middle East, labeling Iran’s missile attack on Israel as a “significant escalatory move.”
Israeli authorities issued a warning for citizens to seek shelter as Iranian missiles were launched on Oct. 1. Videos shared by Israel’s foreign ministry on social media showed projectiles flying through the sky and impacting the ground.
The Israeli army radio reported that almost 200 missiles were fired by Iran.
The Iranian attack occurred shortly after the Israel Defense Forces initiated raids in southern Lebanon against military positions of the Iranian-backed Shia militia Hezbollah. This retaliation from Iran followed Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Hezbollah’s key leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah.
During the strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah’s headquarters are located, a senior Iranian military commander, Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, was killed.
In April, Iran launched numerous drones and missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, in response to the killing of two Iranian generals in Syria.
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“I think we have to remain hopeful that there’s a possibility of a ceasefire, a diplomatic resolution of the current conflict,” Blair told reporters in Ottawa on Oct. 1. “But we’re watching with increasing concern about the escalation of violence.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack, stating that “These attacks from Iran will only serve to further destabilize the region, and it must stop.” She made this statement during a media scrum on Oct. 1.
Evacuation Plans
The Canadian government has been cautioning its citizens to leave Lebanon for weeks as Hezbollah continues to target Israel with rockets and drones. The escalation began after Hamas’s raid on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Canada is now urging its citizens and permanent residents to evacuate Lebanon immediately via commercial flights. Global Affairs Canada has arranged seats on these flights, with 200 individuals leaving over the weekend and another 200 departing today. Additionally, the department has reached out to 700 Canadians in Lebanon, offering them flights out, with 50% accepting the assistance.
If commercial flights become unavailable, Ottawa has a comprehensive evacuation plan in place. In 2006, during the 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Canadian military assisted in evacuating 15,000 people from the region.
Minister Blair mentioned that around 200 Canadian armed forces members are currently in the area to prepare for a potential evacuation, with facilities set up in Cyprus and Turkey.
“We are increasing our capacity to respond to the needs of Canadians in the region,” he stated. He also mentioned considering the use of air assets, potentially including helicopters.
Blair estimated that approximately 40,000 individuals may require assistance from the Canadian government.
He clarified that Canada does not view Israel’s activities in Lebanon as an invasion at this time but acknowledges that it could be a prelude to one.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear-admiral Daniel Hagari described the current operation as “localized ground raids” against Hezbollah strongholds near the Israeli border. Hezbollah had turned the villages in southern Lebanon into launch sites for attacks on Israel, similar to Hamas.
Almost a year after the initial Hamas attack, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza to eliminate the group.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
