The Israeli military claimed to have shot down nearly all of the over 300 drones and missiles that Iran had launched in a dramatic escalation of the Middle Eastern conflict.
The late Saturday attacks from Tehran were in response to what was believed to be an Israeli airstrike on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of officers of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at its embassy compound in Damascus.
The Israeli military reported that it had intercepted over 99 percent of Iranian drones and missiles and was deliberating on possible courses of action.
Netanyahu said on X, “Together we shall win.”
Channel 12 TV in Israel stated that the attack would elicit a significant response from an Israeli official.
World Leaders Respond
U.S. President Joe Biden, “I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.”
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.. I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, “I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region.
The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel.
These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, “Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel offers our full solidarity at this time.”
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, “France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel. By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.”
European Council President Charles Michel, “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.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, “We are following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern. We are in permanent contact with our embassies in the region which will remain open to support Spaniards in the area.”
Argentina’s President Javier Milei, “The office of President Javier Milei expresses its solidarity and unwavering commitment to the State of Israel following the attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Republic of Argentina recognizes the right of State-Nations to defend themselves and strongly supports the State of Israel in the defense of its sovereignty, in particular against regimes that promote terror and seek the destruction of western civilization.”
Israel has requested that the United Nations Security Council denounce Iran’s aggression against Israel and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. The meeting will commence at 4:00 p.m. ET (2000 GMT).
The Israeli invasion of Gaza in response to an Iranian-backed Hamas attack on October 7 has significantly escalated regional tensions. Long-range fire from as far away as Yemen and Iraq has targeted Israeli targets, extending the conflict to the borders with Syria and Lebanon.