Iran's Attack Israel Claims to Down 300 Drones and Missiles
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar has stated that Iran has launched a significant scale attack on Israel using drones and missiles. Following the assault on its diplomatic mission in Syria, it is being considered as Israel’s retaliatory action.
While both major rival countries have been engaged in covert warfare for years, this marks the first direct confrontation.
The Israeli military claims to have intercepted over 300 cruise missiles and drones, most of which were shot down outside Israeli airspace.
Israeli authorities assert that these were brought down outside their airspace.
US President Joe Biden stated, “We have helped Israel in knocking out nearly all of them.”
Biden condemned the Iranian attacks, stating that Iran and its supported proxy groups have carried out an unprecedented aerial assault on Israeli military positions from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Expressing strong condemnation, he said, “Iran and its proxies operated from Iranian and Yemeni, Syrian, and Iraqi-controlled representatives carried out an unprecedented aerial attack on Israeli military facilities.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attack was aimed at ‘specific targets.’
Netanyahu Convenes War Cabinet Meeting
Following the Iranian attack, Israel’s Prime Minister convened a war cabinet meeting.
Subsequently, he spoke with US President Joe Biden over the phone. Netanyahu reported that America has reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security.
After the release of Iranian drones, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the country’s defense systems are operational.
“We are prepared for any situation, whether defensive or offensive. Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The people are strong.”
Netanyahu praised the support from the United States, Britain, France, and many other countries.
At the beginning of this week, Israel’s defense and foreign ministers warned that if Iran attacks Israel, they will retaliate within Iran.
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What Did the Israeli Military Say?
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar stated, “We are fully committed to defending the Israeli nation and its people along with our allies and partners.”
He revealed that some missiles landed in Israel, causing minor damage to a military base, with no casualties reported.
In another briefing, he said Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones overnight, of which 99% were intercepted.
He mentioned some attacks originated from Iraq and Yemen.
Daniel Hagar said, “Iran has started direct attacks on the Israeli nation from Iranian soil.”
“We are closely monitoring Iran’s killer drones heading towards Israel, sent by Iran. This escalation is extremely serious and dangerous.”
He mentioned that the Israeli Air Force is prepared to face any threat in the air.
Israel’s ambulance service reported that a 10-year-old girl from the southern Arad region was injured by falling debris.
What Did Israel's Defense Minister Say?
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Galant stated, “We have been successful in keeping Israel’s region safe with the help of America and other allies. There has been minor damage.”
“But the matter is not over yet. We are on alert. IDF instructions have been issued. We must be prepared for any situation. We have foiled the attack and succeeded in doing so.”
Britain’s defense ministry stated it has deployed RAF jets to prevent aerial attacks in Iraq and Syria.
Following the attack, sirens were heard in Israel, and heavy explosions were reported in Jerusalem as Israel’s air defense systems brought down several objects.
Lebanon and Iraq have also closed their airspace, while Syria and Jordan have placed their air defense systems on alert.
On April 1, Iran had mentioned retaliation after an attack on its diplomatic mission in Syria. The attack resulted in the death of seven military officers, including a top commander.
Iran held Israel responsible for the attack, while Israel neither confirmed nor denied it.
What Is America Doing?
US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone.
A photo of the phone conversation between Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Biden was released by Netanyahu’s spokesperson.
President Biden criticized the Iranian attack, saying his country is fully committed to the safety of Israeli citizens.
He claimed that Israel, with America’s assistance, has shot down all the missiles and drones launched by Iran.
Biden said, “My team is in constant contact with Israeli leaders. We will take every necessary step to protect our people.”
President Biden announced that in view of the Iranian attack, he will convene a meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday, April 14.
Additionally, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has condemned the Iranian attack. He called for immediate action to stop Iranian and pro-Iranian proxy groups from further attacks.
He stated that while the US does not seek conflict with Iran, it will not hesitate to take steps to protect its soldiers and ensure Israel’s security.
After news of the Iranian attack, Adrian Watson, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, also stated that President Biden is firmly committed to Israel’s security.
He said, “America stands with the people of Israel and will defend them against these threats from Iran.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran’s attacks and promised to stand with Israel and all its regional partners for their security.
The most powerful branch of the Iranian military, the IRGC, stated that it conducted this attack in response to repeated offenses by Israel, including an attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria.