Iran launched a coordinated wave of missiles and drones towards Israel late on Saturday. The attack comes amidst mounting regional tensions, primarily fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Biden swiftly condemned the assault, reaffirming the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as stated by the White House.
The attack, reportedly the first full-scale military assault by Tehran on Israel, was purportedly in retaliation to a deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria on April 1. Iranian state media reported that over 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were launched during the assault. However, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, stated that approximately 99 percent of the projectiles were intercepted, with some landing in Israeli territory.
The aftermath of the attack saw a young girl seriously injured, undergoing surgery and being moved to the pediatric intensive care unit at Israel’s Soroka Hospital. Hagari also noted the crucial role played by a coalition of countries in assisting Israel with intercepting the projectiles. The United States, Britain, France, and Jordan were among the nations mentioned as providing support in thwarting the attack.
Israel’s response to the assault is under deliberation, with the country’s war cabinet scheduled to convene. Additionally, Israel has called for condemnation of Iran’s actions in the U.N. Security Council and urged the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
Iran’s attack, described as “four-pronged” by Iranian state media, originated from sites in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, hailed the assault as a success and warned of a forceful response to any Israeli retaliation.
The recent attack further exacerbates the strained relations between Iran and Israel, with a history of covert warfare and proxy conflicts. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, has been launching rockets into Israel, while Iran has been accused of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen, leading to prolonged violence in the region.
The United States, which maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, intercepted numerous Iranian drones and missiles during the attack. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the readiness of U.S. forces to protect American troops and support Israel’s defense, urging Iran to de-escalate tensions.
The situation remains volatile as global leaders assess the implications of Iran’s assault on Israel, with concerns mounting over the potential for further destabilization in the region.
