Israel War Escalates as Iran Launches Direct Attack

In its first direct assault on Israeli territory, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones, causing minor damage at an Israeli military facility. The attack occurred late on Saturday night, triggering air raid sirens across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, with Israeli air defenses intercepting most of the projectiles.

The Israeli military reported that more than 300 "killer drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles" were fired, with 99 percent intercepted, aided by forces from the United States and the United Kingdom. The launches originated from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated in a televised statement, "The Iranian attack was foiled." He also revealed that Iran deployed 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and in excess of 120 ballistic missiles. Among them, several ballistic missiles breached Israeli territory, resulting in minor damage to the Nevatim base.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) confirmed the attack, citing retaliation for the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier in April. The escalation prompted warnings of a "considerably more severe" response if Israel makes another "mistake."

The incident led to airspace closures by Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, and heightened defenses in Syria.

Several world leaders expressed deep concern over the situation, with US President Joe Biden condemning Iran's actions and vowing a coordinated diplomatic response while affirming full US support for Israel's defense. Russia conveyed Iran's warning of a stronger response if Israel retaliates.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday (April 13th, 20204) and called for restraint and an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that in addition to a letter from Israel, the Security Council had received one from Iran asserting its attack was within the U.N. Charter framework governing the right to self-defence.

Source: Al Jazeera, NDTV