14-4-2024 (TEL AVIV) Air raid sirens blared and deafening explosions reverberated across Israel on Saturday evening as Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles in a retaliatory strike, Israeli authorities confirmed.
More than 200 missiles and drones were unleashed from Iran towards Israel, according to Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). While the majority were intercepted, Hagari noted that an unspecified number managed to breach Israeli airspace, resulting in at least one child being injured.
Israeli airspace was sealed off at midnight, with air defense systems placed on high alert in anticipation of the assault. The drones took several hours to reach Israeli airspace, triggering alarms around 2 a.m. local time in various regions including southern Israel, the Dead Sea area, Jerusalem, and the Shomron area.
“The IDF remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the situation,” declared the IDF in an earlier statement. “Our aerial defense systems, alongside fighter jets and naval vessels, are fully prepared to defend Israeli airspace. All targets are under constant surveillance.”
Surreal footage of the Iranian attack over Jerusalem’s Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif pic.twitter.com/NuSvF25HLX
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 13, 2024
Reports revealed that U.S. forces in the region successfully downed some of the Iranian-launched drones. The attack by Iran was purportedly in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Michael Herzog, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., described the assault as an unprecedented regional attack orchestrated by Iran and its proxies. He stressed the need for Iran to be held accountable for its actions.
U.S. President Biden returned to the White House amid preparations for a potential escalation. Following discussions with the National Security Council, President Biden engaged in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assess the situation.
“The United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Israel’s security,” emphasized a White House spokesperson. “We stand with Israel and will assist in defending against threats posed by Iran.”
The U.S. remained on standby for further provocations from Iran and its allies in the region. American assets, including fighter jets and naval vessels, were strategically positioned to intercept incoming threats.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu convened his war cabinet in Tel Aviv following a video address in which he assured the public of Israel’s readiness to defend against direct attacks from Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acknowledged the strike, labeling it a punitive measure against the occupied territories.
The conflict escalated further as Iran’s U.N. mission warned of severe repercussions if Israel continued its aggression. However, the U.S. maintained its stance of support for Israel’s security, urging restraint and a measured response to the escalating tensions.
In anticipation of potential escalation, Israel implemented safety measures, including restrictions on gatherings and the closure of schools. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent further hostilities.
