APIran attack on Israel
NOS News•today, 07:41•Changed today, 13:29
Israel has almost completely repelled a major attack from Iran. The hundreds of drones and missiles that were fired were almost all taken out of the air before they could cause damage on the ground, according to Israeli authorities. It was the first time that Iran openly attacked its arch-enemy.
“We intercepted them. We repelled the attack. Together we will overcome,” Netanyahu wrote on X in the early morning. It was his first public response since the start of the attack last night. The Ministry of Defense speaks of “a clear strategic success”.
The first reports about the Iranian attack came in around 10 p.m. Dutch time. The New York Times writes, based on Israeli sources, that a total of 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles and 110 ballistic missiles were involved. Nearly all were fired from Iran, but allies in Iraq and Yemen also contributed to the attack.
Iran attack in pictures:
Iran’s retaliation: Israel intercepts dozens of drones
Tension in the Middle East had already increased in recent days, following an Israeli bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Iran says that Israel had violated international laws and invoked its right of self-defense for this counterattack.
As soon as it became clear that a major attack was imminent, Israel put its air defenses on high alert. The Iron Dome missile defense shield was activated and fighter jets patrolled the skies shooting down projectiles. American troops stationed in the region also contributed to the protection of the airspace.
British Prime Minister Sunak further confirms that British fighter jets have shot down several Iranian drones. The military had sent additional aircraft to the region.
There were several explosions above Jerusalem. Air raid sirens also went off in several places in the country. Residents, especially in the south and north of the country, were advised to stay near an air raid shelter.
The nightlife crowd in Tel Aviv awaited the attack with resignation:
Tel Aviv café goers: ‘We are used to attacks’
Israeli air defense was going well. The air defense managed to shoot down almost all drones and missiles. According to an army spokesman, this happened several times outside Israel’s borders, although he did not provide details of where it happened. Images on social media showed debris that had landed in the Jordanian capital Amman, but it was unclear whether it was Iranian weaponry or Israeli interceptor munitions.
NOSAAttack by Iran on Israel
There are few reports of damage on the ground. An army spokesman spoke only of limited damage to an Israeli base during the night.
In the Negev Desert, a 7-year-old child was seriously injured during the attack. Police are still investigating what exactly caused her injuries.
Ambulance service MDA reported during the night that 31 people had been treated, mainly slightly injured. This mainly concerned people who suffered from panic attacks or who had hurt themselves in the haste to get to a bomb shelter.
Correspondent Nasrah Habiballah:
“The Israelis are breathing a sigh of relief this morning. It has been very exciting in recent days, actually from the moment Iran said it would launch a revenge attack. Everyone was busy with it at the time. The Israeli army took everything into account and has been in top condition for days. of preparedness. When it became known that drones were on their way, people’s tension increased.
For Prime Minister Netanyahu, this is an important victory that this attack has been repelled. It is important that he has shown that he can defend such an attack.”
At dawn, the Israeli army said there were no signals that more projectiles were on their way from Iran. Explosions could no longer be heard above the land, but the sound of patrolling fighter jets could be heard. The spokesperson emphasized that people remain concerned about new attacks.
Internationally, countries are urging the warring parties to prevent further escalation. UN chief Guterres speaks of “a real danger that this conflict will escalate throughout the region” and calls for restraint. Outgoing Prime Minister Rutte also calls the situation very worrying and, together with other countries, urges Iran to refrain from further attacks.
Habiballah also discusses the support Israel has received:
Correspondent Nasrah Habiballah: ‘Israel received help during Iran attacks’
US President Biden wants to meet with the leaders of the G7 later today to arrive at a unanimous diplomatic response. Publicly he reiterated his “unwavering support” for Israel, although there are also reports in the American media that he has urged Prime Minister Netanyahu not to launch a counterattack for fear of escalation.
‘Case closed’
At Israel’s request, the UN Security Council will meet later today. Israel wants a strong condemnation from the UN body and demands that the Iranian Republican Guard be put on the UN terror list. The US has done this before, but the EU, for example, previously ruled that this required a court ruling.
Iran has warned other countries not to get involved in the conflict, saying it would only be a mutual fight with Israel. For example, the country urged the United States not to interfere in the issue.
The Iranian UN ambassador also announced that as far as Iran is concerned, the attack has been resolved, provided Israel refrains from escalating. “If the Israeli regime makes another mistake, the Iranian response will be significantly harsher.”
Army chief Bagheri’s response
Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri warned Israel and the United States on Iranian state television. “Our response will be far greater than tonight’s military action if Israel strikes back against Iran,” he said. Iranian authorities also warned that they will retaliate if Israel carries out attacks on Iranian targets or civilians abroad.
Bagheri added that if the US were to support Israel in the counter-reaction, it could count on attacks on US targets in the region. According to him, for example, American army bases are the target.
