The “overwhelming majority” of missiles fired by Iran into Israel last night have been intercepted, according to the Israeli military. The region now fears a further escalation of the conflict in Gaza.
On the night from Saturday to Sunday, Israel was bombarded with more than 300 rockets and drones for hours. It was a retaliation for the death of seven Iranian officers in an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Israel did not claim responsibility for that attack, but Iran held the country responsible.
This is the end of the matter for Iran, the country has announced. But at the same time it warns Israel against further steps. On Sunday morning it was not yet clear whether Israel will opt for further escalation. Foreign Minister Israel Katz had warned in advance that Israel would respond to a possible Iranian attack by striking on Iranian territory. On Sunday he told Israeli media that he still supports that warning.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres says he is “deeply concerned” about the danger of “devastating” escalation in the region. “I urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid any response that could lead to large-scale military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”
Israel and its allies have thwarted the “Iranian attack,” army spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a TV address on Sunday morning. Hagari said Iran sent 170 drones at Israel, but none entered Israeli airspace. They were all shot down outside the country’s borders. Thirty fired Iranian cruise missiles also failed to reach Israeli airspace.
Iran also fired 120 ballistic missiles. Some of them did end up on Israeli territory. The air base in Nevatim suffered minor damage. “But the base is still in use,” Hagari emphasizes. “Iran thought it would be able to paralyze the base and damage our air capabilities, but it failed.”
The US is said to have downed more than 70 drones. The Israeli army says one person was injured as a result of the anti-aircraft fire.
“Succes”
US President Joe Biden, in a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, called the response to the attack a “success” for Israel and once again assured Israel of the US’s “unwavering” support. But the United States is said to have no intention of participating in any offensive actions against Iran.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Sunday that he will consult with allies and partners in the region “in the coming days and hours.” “The United States condemns the Iranian attack on Israel in the strongest possible terms. We do not want an escalation, but will continue to support Israel’s defense. And, as the president made clear, we will defend American personnel.”
Biden will convene a G7 meeting on Sunday to discuss a joint response to the Iranian attack.
