THE POINT – Iran attacks Israel with 500 drones. At least 100 intercepted with the help of the USA and UK. War Cabinet approves ‘military response’
Iran’s announced attack, as “punishment” for the raid in Syria which hit the Tehran embassy on 2 April, was launched with 500 drones on Saturday 13 April. The prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned: “Israeli citizens, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both defense and attack. “We appreciate the fact that the US stands by Israel, as well as the support of Great Britain, France and many other countries. Whoever harms us, we strike him. We will defend ourselves from any threat and we will do so with coldness and determination.” And in fact US, British and probably French jets helped the Israeli army intercept 100 drones. No trace of the missile launch, although announced. Explosions were felt in several areas and CNN showed live the remains of what appeared to be drones.
The region and the world are holding their breath for a move that could open up unpredictable scenarios, while the United States – after the controversy between Biden and Netanyahu over Gaza – has firmly aligned itself alongside its Israeli ally. The US president, Joe Biden, he met in the evening in the Situation Room of the White House with officials from the National Security Council after hastily returning from Delaware, where he was spending the weekend.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown also attended the meeting. Washington reiterated its “unwavering support” for Israel and moved naval ships near its coasts to be ready for any eventuality. While Benyamin Netanyahu gathered the security cabinet at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. “We will respond to those who harm us“, warned the prime minister. Meanwhile, France and Great Britain have condemned Iran’s “reckless attack”. “The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a serious threat to regional security,” EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell wrote in X.
In Israel the army had been on high alert for days and public buildings were closed. In a video released during his sabbatical rest, the IDF spokesperson warned that Tehran “will suffer the consequences of choosing to further aggravate the situation”. “The army – warned Daniel Hagari – is ready for all scenarios and will take the necessary steps, together with its allies, to protect the people of Israel”.
Overnight, Tehran declared that the attack against Israel was over. An announcement from the Iranian mission to the UN in a post on against our diplomatic offices in Damascus. The matter can be considered concluded. However, if the Israeli regime were to make another mistake, Iran’s response would be significantly more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, which the United States must stay away from,” the post reads. Meanwhile, the Israeli war cabinet has approved a military response to the Iranian attack. A news report from the Israeli media without adding further details.
