Israel woke up on Sunday morning with the news that 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight had been intercepted by the air defence.
The attack was Iran’s retaliation for the bombing of an Iranian building in Damascus on 1 April which had claimed the lives of seven Iranian operatives from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including two generals.
According to the Israeli chief military spokesperson, Iran launched 185 drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles. It takes 9 hours for drones, 2 hours for cruise missiles and 12 minutes for ballistic missiles to reach Israel from Iran.
All drones were shot down outside of the country’s borders by Israel and its allies, the US, the UK and also Jordan. Some of the missiles managed to bypass Israel’s defences, hitting an airbase in southern Israel, causing slight damage.
The attack was launched from Iran but also from its proxies in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. Israel said before the attack that it would weigh its response depending on the damage it caused and from where it was launched.
“It’s not over yet,” the spokesperson said, “there are still threats on their way. Iran did a very serious act tonight when it pushed the Middle East to escalate.”
In his first public comment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a short message on X, saying “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.”
The US administration has declared that its support for Israel’s security is “ironclad” and that it will help Israel to defend itself against an Iranian attack. After the attack, US President Joe Biden reportedly warned Netanyahu from attacking Iran in response. A common diplomatic, strategical response is required to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war in the Middle East.
The EU has urged both sides to show restraint but has not yet issued any statement after the Iranian attack. Iran is also supporting Russia with drones and missiles in its war against Ukraine.
Update: European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on social media this morning: "I strongly condemn Iran‘s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel. And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks. All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region."
High Representative Josep Borrell added: "The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security."
European Council President Charles Michel said: "Strongly condemn the attack launched by Iran on Israel. Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners."
The Brussels Times
