The Passover Offensive: Iran and Hezbollah Strike on Day 1 of the Festival

On the first day of Passover (April 2, 2026), Iran and Hezbollah launched a coordinated offensive against Israel as civilians sat down for the Seder. Iran fired four missile salvos since midnight — some carrying cluster warheads — wounding four in Bnei Brak including two infants. Hezbollah followed with a 50+ rocket barrage at northern Israel in the morning and then expanded southward to target Haifa suburbs in the afternoon. The attacks directly followed Trump's Wednesday night address claiming Iran's capabilities were 'dramatically curtailed.' Iran's Khatam Al-Anbiya command vowed 'crushing, broader, more destructive' actions. The Karaj B1 Bridge — the Middle East's highest — was struck by US-Israeli airstrikes during the day, and Defense Minister Katz issued a direct personal threat to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem by name.

Key facts

• •Iran fired 4 missile salvos at Israel since midnight on Passover Day 1
• •Some salvos used cluster warheads; 4 wounded in Bnei Brak including 2 infants
• •Hezbollah fired 50+ rockets at northern Israel — Kiryat Shmona struck
• •Hezbollah expanded to Haifa suburbs (Krayot) in the afternoon
• •Karaj B1 Bridge — Middle East's highest — struck; several injured
• •IRGC: strikes 'did not decimate' missile production, drones, air defenses or EW
• •Defense Minister Katz personally threatened Hezbollah leader Qassem by name