Israeli security cabinet has granted authority to a three-member war cabinet to determine Israel’s response to the recent Iranian attack. This decision follows over 200 perceived threats reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israeli Security
The war cabinet, consisting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz, will now have the responsibility to formulate the country’s reaction.
In response to the heightened tensions, the Home Front Command of Israel initially urged residents across the country to remain close to shelters. However, this advisory has since been rescinded. The change in guidance occurred after the IDF advised residents in specific areas of northern Israel to remain near protected areas and instructed them to take shelter for at least 10 minutes upon the sounding of sirens.
Early Sunday, the Israeli military announced that 99 percent of the launched projectiles had been intercepted, thwarting the Iranian attack. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a military spokesperson, made this declaration in a televised statement.
Meanwhile, following a meeting with his top security officials, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed Washington’s steadfast support for Israel amidst the escalating crisis.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have acknowledged carrying out a drone and missile strike targeting Israel in retaliation for the Damascus airstrike that resulted in the deaths of seven Guards, including two generals.
According to the Guards, ballistic missiles were launched approximately one hour after the initial deployment of slower-moving drones.
In Tehran’s Palestine Square, hundreds of Iranians congregated, brandishing Iranian and Palestinian flags in a display of solidarity with the military operation against Israel.
According to security agency Ambrey, Iran’s regional allies participated in the attack, with Yemen’s Tehran-backed Huthi rebels launching drones at Israel.
Simultaneously, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement declared firing rockets at Israeli positions in the annexed Golan Heights, along with a subsequent barrage hours later.
Tehran’s official IRNA news agency reported that the attack inflicted “heavy blows” on an air base in the Negev desert. However, the Israeli army stated that the damage was minimal.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations cautioned Washington against involvement in Iran’s conflict with Israel, emphasizing that it was a dispute between Iran and the Israeli regime alone.
“It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!” the mission stated, expressing hope that Iran’s retaliatory action would deter further escalation and resolve the matter.
Joe Biden
Biden stated that the United States assisted Israel in intercepting the majority of incoming drones and missiles. He commended Israel for its ability to defend against unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to adversaries that Israel’s security cannot be easily threatened.
During a phone conversation with Netanyahu, Biden reportedly advised against an Israeli counterattack on Iran, urging Netanyahu to view the situation positively.
Prior to Iran’s attack, the Israeli military warned Iran of potential consequences for escalating the situation further.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran’s actions as reckless and pledged continued support for Israel’s security. France also expressed solidarity with Israel, emphasizing Iran’s destabilizing behavior.
Egypt stated its direct engagement with all parties involved to contain the conflict, while Saudi Arabia urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
China characterized the attack as an extension of the Gaza conflict and called for the immediate implementation of a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire.
The Security Council convened to address the crisis at Israel’s request, with Biden planning to coordinate a united diplomatic response with G7 leaders.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked container vessel in the Gulf, prompting heightened alert across the region. Indian and Philippine officials confirmed citizens aboard the vessel.
The April 1 strike in Damascus, attributed to Israel and resulting in casualties, had elicited threats of retaliation from Iran.
Netanyahu had previously stated Israel’s readiness for a direct attack from Iran. Israel closed its airspace temporarily, while neighboring countries followed suit.
Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon announced temporary airspace closures in response to the escalating tensions.
GAZA
Fighting in Gaza continues, with Israel’s military reporting strikes on over 30 Hamas targets in the area. The conflict originated from Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Hamas has responded to a truce proposal, while Israel has criticized Hamas’ rejection and accused them of exploiting tensions with Iran.
The Supreme Leader of Iran
For over three decades, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been at the helm of the Islamic regime. At 84 years old, he continues to lead a top leadership cadre dominated by hard-line clerics. This leadership structure has evolved over time through a process of purging moderates and reformers, consolidating power within the conservative faction of Iran’s political establishment.
Khamenei’s tenure as Supreme Leader has been marked by his firm control over key aspects of Iran’s governance, including its military, judiciary, and foreign policy. He is revered by hard-line elements within Iran’s political and religious circles, who view him as a steadfast defender of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary principles.
For over three decades, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been at the helm of the Islamic regime. At 84 years old, he continues to lead a top leadership cadre dominated by hard-line clerics. This leadership structure has evolved over time through a process of purging moderates and reformers, consolidating power within the conservative faction of Iran’s political establishment.
Khamenei’s tenure as Supreme Leader has been marked by his firm control over key aspects of Iran’s governance, including its military, judiciary, and foreign policy. He is revered by hard-line elements within Iran’s political and religious circles, who view him as a steadfast defender of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary principles.
Where was Israel attacked by Iran
Air-raid sirens sounded throughout Israel and explosions resonated over Jerusalem as the Iron Dome air-defense system was activated. Following the strikes, a few missiles impacted Israel, resulting in minor damage to a military installation in the southern region of the country, according to Israeli reports.
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