JERUSALEM – In a dramatic escalation of regional conflict, Iran launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles toward Israel on Saturday.
The attack, dubbed “Operation True Promise,” was confirmed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who declared it retaliation for an April 1st Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria that killed seven IRGC members.
The IRGC stated that dozens of missiles and drones were launched, targeting specific locations within Israeli territory.
Israeli officials warned that the drones could take several hours to reach their targets, and Israel's army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, called the attack "a severe and dangerous escalation." Defensive and offensive systems were activated to the highest readiness level.
Israel had been on high alert since the Damascus strike, anticipating retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel's readiness for a "direct attack from Iran."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant cited intelligence reports of ongoing Iranian plans to strike Israel, with the involvement of regional allies.
Regional Tensions Flare, US Support
US President Joe Biden maintained constant communication with Israeli officials and regional partners. He previously warned Iran against attacking Israel and pledged US support.Syria, anticipating potential Israeli counterstrikes, activated its Russian-made defense systems near Damascus. Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel temporarily closed their airspace.
“This is a country… waiting for those drones to arrive,” said Al Jazeera's Rory Challands, reporting from Jerusalem. Retired Israeli general Amos Yadlin confirmed that the Iranian drones carry substantial explosive payloads. Israel's military will activate sirens in threatened areas and deploy its defenses.
Allies Join the Fray
Iran's regional allies also launched attacks. Yemen's Huthi rebels fired drones at Israel, while Lebanon's Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israeli positions in the annexed Golan Heights.An Israeli army official said Iran had launched more than 200 attack drones and ballistic missiles at Israel.
The official IRNA news agency said the attack had dealt "heavy blows" to an air base in the Negev desert, causing minor damage according to the Israeli army.
Global Response
The White House voiced concern that the attack would “unfold over a number of hours.” The Iranian mission to the United Nations warned Washington to avoid involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict.British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran's actions and pledged support for Israel's security. France echoed similar sentiments, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne calling Iran's actions a "new level of destabilization." Egypt, a frequent mediator in the region, expressed concern and urged all parties to de-escalate.
Additional Developments
The escalation follows months of conflict between Israel and Gaza and a broader web of regional attacks involving multiple fronts.Earlier on Saturday, Iranian forces seized an Israel-linked container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, further inflaming tensions.
This is a developing story.
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