In a historic first direct confrontation, Iran conducted the largest drone and missile attack against Israel, launching approximately 350 drones and missiles. This marked a significant escalation in the nearly 45-year-long covert conflict between the Jewish state and the Islamic regime of Iran. Despite the scale, Israel’s defense systems intercepted 99% of these threats. The attacks included 170 drones and 120 ballistic missiles carrying over 60 tons of explosives, launched not only from Iran but also from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Tel Aviv skies being bombarded by Iranian attack.
— Jawad ur Rahman (@jawadkhannnn) April 14, 2024
Iranisrael war has regional consequences and could spark World War III WWIII. pic.twitter.com/7bQJ6CyfoE
Looks like an exoatmospheric intercept by Israel.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 14, 2024
It means they destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile in space.
Looks insane pic.twitter.com/kmDFuX03Jg
Dont forget Hamas and Iran’s real target. pic.twitter.com/FiWmHkruqY
— FactsForPeace (@Facts_For_Peace) November 29, 2023
Iran attacked the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel will continuec to defend Jerusalem and the holy sites.
— Sharren Haskel השכל שרן (@SharrenHaskel) April 14, 2024
Only Israel will forever safeguard holy sites and freedom of religion for all in the region. pic.twitter.com/paXiGA1ADK
Three Jordanians were killed, and a seven-year-old girl from a Bedouin village near Arad was seriously wounded. Additionally, minor damage was reported at the IDF Nevatim base in southern Israel. In response, Israel conducted immediate counterattacks in Lebanon following two rounds of rocket fire.
Incoming reports of 3 Jordanians having been killed by missile debris falling over the capital city Amman pic.twitter.com/PV6gGFrTam
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 14, 2024
Israel’s security cabinet convened early Sunday to discuss further actions, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and War Minister Benny Gantz. This meeting came after the Islamic Republic’s retaliation claim for the killing of a top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander on April 1 in Syria, which Iran “claimed” was an act of self-defense against Israeli aggressions.
The United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Jordan played roles in neutralizing the airborne threats, with the US notably shooting down over 70 projectiles. The intensity of the defense efforts peaked between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. when Israeli forces downed a significant number of Iranian threats.
Hezbollah contributed to the conflict by launching rockets from Lebanon towards the Golan Heights, intensifying regional tensions. These actions were claimed to be responses to earlier Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
As the dust settled, Iran’s mission to the UN declared the attack “concluded” but warned of more severe consequences should Israel retaliate. Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command urged civilians to stay alert to changing threats, reflecting the prolonged nature of the conflict.
The Health Ministry has placed hospitals on high alert and canceled vacations for medical staff in anticipation of further escalations. Iraqi, Lebanese, and Jordanian airspace were also temporarily closed following the attacks, illustrating the regional impact of the confrontation.
Amidst these developments, Israel’s decades-in-the-making missile defense capabilities proved crucial. Moshe Patel of the Israel Missile Defense Organization highlighted the effectiveness of the Arrow and David’s Sling systems against the barrage. This defense success story began in 1986 and gained momentum after experiences from past conflicts, emphasizing Israel’s strategic shift towards robust missile defense capabilities.
In response to the ongoing threat, the IDF announced the upcoming deployment of two reservist brigades to address operations in Gaza, signaling continued military readiness and strategic planning in the volatile region.
This unfolding situation continues to draw international attention and calls by world leaders for “de-escalation” across the Middle East, as Israel continues to be the violent target of Islamic and communist regimes across the world.
News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/middle-east-edge-iran-launches-massive-drone-missile/