Iran initiated a direct assault on Israel late Saturday night, employing a barrage of attack drones and missiles from its territory. This unprecedented move marked the first direct attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic, plunging the region into heightened tension.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly responded to the onslaught, intercepting the majority of the Iranian projectiles.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed the commencement of the attack at 11 p.m., with Iran also launching missiles alongside the drones. Despite the intensity of the assault, the IDF managed to down most of the incoming threats.
The attack triggered widespread alarm across Israel, as air raid sirens blared throughout the country early Sunday, signaling the imminent danger.
Southern Israeli communities were among the first to be alerted, followed by alerts extending to various regions, including Jerusalem and parts of the northern West Bank.
The repercussions of the assault were immediately felt, with a young girl sustaining injuries from shrapnel during the interception of an Iranian drone over southern Israel.
The victim, a 7-year-old from a Bedouin town near Arad, was rushed to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba and listed in serious condition.
While the attack caused minimal casualties, it posed a significant threat to Israeli security.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the launch of numerous drones and missiles targeting specific locations within Israel.
The IDF reported that over 200 projectiles were launched by Iran, including ballistic missiles, in a coordinated assault.
In a separate statement, the IDF stressed it intercepted “the vast majority” of the dozens of ballistic missiles, with the Arrow system shooting them down before they entered Israeli skies.
“Dozens of Air Force planes continue at this hour to intercept all air threats that are making their way toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the military added.
Also, the United States military, operating from undisclosed bases in the region, intercepted Iranian drones heading towards Israel.
Jordanian jets also downed numerous Iranian drones flying towards Israel, demonstrating solidarity with Israel amid escalating tensions.
Britain said royal Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East “will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.”
“In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks,” the statement added.
Egyptian military and security sources said Egypt’s air defenses were on alert. They added that Egypt’s military General Command have formed a team to monitor the situation and make any necessary decisions regarding the country’s airspace.
Syria also put on high alert its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defense systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, Syrian army sources told Reuters, explaining they expected Israel to retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based.