Israel Defends Against "Dozens" Of Iranian Ballistic Missiles And Drones, Targets Hezbollah Weapon Production Facilities In Northern Lebanon
Israel Defends Against "Dozens" Of Iranian Ballistic Missiles And Drones, Targets Hezbollah Weapon Production Facilities In Northern Lebanon
During a phone call on Saturday, Biden reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States won't support a counterattack by Israel against Iran.
JERUSALEM - Iran launched "dozens" of surface-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, and drones approaching Israeli territory during the night, according to the country's military which says it intercepted the majority of the launches and drones before they crossed over into Israel.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronot reported that Iran had launched around 150 ballistic missiles at Israel, with missile sirens sounding at least 720 times.
The Israeli military reported: 330 missile launches and, 99% interception rate:
The Israel Defense Forces said, "Iran's wide-scale coordinated attack demonstrates it poses not only a regional threat but an international one.
Together with a defense coalition of international partners, we achieved a successful interception of 99% of aerial threats launched by Iran. We stand strong together against any enemy that poses a threat to both Israel and the rest of the world".
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III released a statement that said, "At the direction of President Biden, U.S. forces in the Middle East on April 13 intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability."
Iranian state-run media claimed that Tehran's missiles hit their designated targets. IRNA reported that Israel's "defense systems, including the Iron Dome, have failed to intercept ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward the occupied territories, with released images showing the missiles raining down and hitting their designated targets."
It added, "Based on the images, the missiles fired at the occupied territories were equipped with cluster warheads, a feature that led to the confusion of air defense systems to intercept the weapons".
IRNA went on to say, "This is the first time that Iran has used missiles equipped with cluster warheads".
After an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria Iran had vowed it would retaliate against Israel. Supreme leader of Iran Ali Khamenei posted a speech on social media just before the attacks began and said, "The evil regime will be punished".
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said, "Any new adventure against Iran's interests will be met with a firm and regrettable response", and then added, "Should the Zionist regime or its supporters display reckless behavior, they will face an even more resolute reaction."
According to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran has "no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression", according to Iranian state-run media.
Israel Culture Minister: Iranian Strikes Give Israel Legitimacy To Strike Iran With Unprecedented Force
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar said of the strikes, “Israel received broad international legitimacy tonight to strike Iran with unprecedented force.
The extremist regime there has taken off its gloves and we must not be lax against the head of the snake that is working to destroy Israel.”
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Weapons Facilities Deep Inside Lebanon In Response To Overnight Launches Toward Northern Israel
IDF Statement: “A short while ago, in response to the launches that were fired toward northern Israel overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a significant Hezbollah weapons manufacturing site in the area of Nabi Chit, deep inside Lebanon”.
IDF: “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck a number of military structures in a complex belonging to Hezbollah's Radwan Forces in the area of Jbaa in southern Lebanon.
Earlier during the night, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Khiam and Kfarkela.”
