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The Times of Israel liveblogged Sunday’s events as they happened.
Hamas proposal: Hostages only freed at end of 6-week truce in exchange for 30-50 Palestinian prisoners each
A protester holds a placard as relatives of hostages held in Gaza and their supporters block traffic outside of the US embassy, calling for the immediate release of all captives, Tel Aviv, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
Hamas has presented a hostage release proposal to mediators in which it demands a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, implemented over three six-week phases. The proposal suggests that Israel would observe a six-week ceasefire before it receives any of the 129 hostages held by the terror group since October 7, Hebrew daily Haaretz reports.
The terror group’s proposal was reportedly submitted after it rejected the US-mediated deal late last night.
In the proposal, Hamas suggests that the IDF would be required to cease all fighting in Gaza and retreat from urban areas for six weeks, allowing displaced Palestinians to return north. Only after the end of the six weeks would any hostages be released, Hamas says, claiming that it would use the weeks of paused hostilities to locate the hostages and ascertain what condition they are in.
The terror group’s draft stipulates that 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for every Israeli civilian — a steep increase from the 3:1 ratio of the weeklong November truce. It also demands that 50 Palestinian prisoners — 30 of them serving life sentences — be released for every captive soldier.
Israel has previously dismissed similar demands as “delusional” and the number of Palestinian prisoners Hamas has demanded, as well as the severity of their crimes, has been a sticking point in several previous rounds of negotiations.
Iranian foreign minister speaks to Saudi counterpart about attack on Israel, regional repercussions
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, left, and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan hold a joint press conference in Riyadh on August 17, 2023. (Fayez Nureldine/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian late in the evening, during which they discussed developments in the region after Iran launched drones and missiles on Israel, Saudi state news agency reports.
“During the call, repercussions from developments in the situation in the region and the increasing escalation against the backdrop of the crisis in Gaza Strip were discussed,” a statement from Saudi’s foreign ministry said.
UN Security Council begins emergency session on Iranian attack against Israel
The United Nations Security Council begins its emergency session, called after Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel last night.
The meeting was called after Israel requested the council condemn Iran’s attack and designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opens the session with a warning that the Middle East is “on the brink.”
“The people in the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating, full-scale conflict,” he says. “Now is the time to defuse and deescalate, now is the time for maximum restraint.”
“It’s time to step back from the brink,” he adds.
WATCH: IDF releases footage of drone interception over Eilat area
The IDF releases footage showing the interception of a drone over the Eilat area by a ship-mounted Iron Dome air defense system, known as C-Dome.
The drone, believed to have been launched from Yemen, was downed by a missile fired from one of the Navy’s Sa’ar 6-class corvettes.
It marks the second-ever successful interception carried out by C-Dome, with the first taking place less than a week ago.
IDF says hostile target downed by ship-mounted Iron Dome in Eilat area
The IDF says a “suspicious aerial target” — believed to be a drone launched from Yemen — was downed by a ship-mounted Iron Dome system, known as C-Dome, in the Eilat area.
The target entered Israeli airspace from the direction of the Red Sea, and was tracked by the military until it was successfully shot down by one of the Navy’s Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, the IDF says.
No sirens sounded in Eilat as there was no threat to civilians, the military adds.
It marks the second-ever successful interception carried out by the C-Dome system.
Foreign Minister Katz urges UK, France to weaken Iran with ‘crippling sanctions’
Foreign Minister Israel Katz in Jerusalem, February 19, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/ Flash90)
Foreign Minister Israel Katz spoke with his British and French counterparts a short while ago and thanked them for their assistance in shooting down Iranian attack drones overnight, he writes on X, formerly Twitter.
He says that he emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens, and urges the two countries to “weaken the Iranian regime, to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian missile project.”
“Iran must pay a price,” he adds.
Earlier today, France confirmed it had carried out interception missions, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne saying without elaborating that France “took our responsibilities,” and carried out interceptions.
Eilat locals report seeing interceptor missile launch from ship-mounted Iron Dome
Locals in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat report seeing an interceptor missile launch from a Navy Sa’ar 6-class corvette on Sunday night.
Surveillance camera footage and other clips posted to social media show a missile being fired by the ship-mounted Iron Dome air defense system, known as C-Dome.
Sirens did not sound in the city.
The IDF has not yet commented on the incident.
Gallant speaks to US counterpart about establishing strategic alliance against Iran
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 14, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry, File)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed his US counterpart Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin a short while ago on the preliminary conclusions of the defensive operations carried out by Israel, the US and other allies against Iran’s attack overnight, Gallant’s office says in a readout of the call.
In particular, Gallant thanked Austin for the US’s “unparalleled cooperation and coordination,” and highlighted the opportunity to establish an international coalition and strategic alliance to counter the threat posed by Iran” the readout states.
Gallant also touched on Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and updated him on the efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 massacre in southern Israel.
Biden told Netanyahu that Israel won latest round with Iran, administration official says
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, October 18, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/ AFP)
US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their call last night that Israel had won this latest round against Iran.
“Israel really came out far ahead in this exchange. It took out the IRGC leadership in the Levant, Iran tried to respond, and Israel clearly demonstrated its military superiority, defeating this attack, particularly in coordination with its partners,” a senior administration official says in a briefing with reporters.
The official notes that Hamas hoped Iran’s attack would advance the goal it has had since October 7 to ignite a regional war.
“We’re going to ensure that they do not succeed,” the official says.
“We have disagreements with Israel on a number of things, including in particular on Gaza. Those are things we’re continuing to work through, but when it comes to the defense of Israel against Iran, the commitment truly is ironclad,” the official adds.
US official says Iran sought to cause ‘significant damage’ in Israel but failed
Iran sent a message to the US last night through Switzerland informing Washington that its attack on Israel had ended, a senior Biden administration official says.
The official denies reports that Tehran gave a 72-hour heads-up to the US, insisting that it sought to cause “significant damage in Israel,” but failed.
“They might want to now say that what we didn’t mean to [cause casualties], but if you launch 100 ballistic missiles targeting certain locations — that was clearly their intent, they just didn’t succeed,” the official says.
“If successful, this attack could have caused an uncontrollable escalation of broader regional conflict — something we have worked day and night to avoid since October 7.”
Despite the lack of notification from Iran, US intel determined an attack was imminent and Washington managed to get assets in place and coordinate with partners to help Israel thwart the attack.
The Houthis also tried to join in on the Iranian strike, “but because we have that so well covered, we destroyed a ballistic missile launchpad [and] the other stuff they launched obviously did not make it to the target because we just have that area so well covered with a number of coalition partners,” the official says.
“Our goal remains to de-escalate immediately and halt any further attack… [But] if Iran takes action against us, we’re fully prepared to defend our people, our interests, and to hold Iran accountable,” the official adds.
The senior administration official reveals that during US President Joe Biden’s call with the G7 leaders earlier today, there was a discussion of some of the member countries designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terror group, as well as a newly coordinated batch of sanctions against Iran.
US military official says Israel shot down most of Iran’s ballistic missiles, praises ‘phenomenal’ defense capabilities
An anti-missile system fires interception missiles at drones and missiles fired from Iran, as it seen over Jerusalem, on April 14, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
The vast majority of the 100-plus ballistic missiles Iran fired at Israel during last night’s attack were shot down by Israel, though the US shot down four to six ballistic missiles with a pair of aircraft carriers it had moved into the eastern Mediterranean ahead of the strike, a senior US military official says.
Another ballistic missile was shot down by a US Army Patriot missile battery over Erbil, Iraq, the senior defense official says in a briefing with reporters.
Most of the intercepts were carried out by the Arrow Two and Arrow Three Israeli systems, taking place not only over Israeli airspace, but over neighboring countries as well, the official adds.
US alert aircrafts in the region also shot down more than 70 Iranian UAV drones headed toward Israel, the military official says.
A senior administration official also on the briefing details what he described as “tense moments” when the US learned that Iran had simultaneously fired over 100 ballistic missiles at Israel that were slated to land within minutes. “This was on the high end of what we were anticipating,” and there was a degree of uncertainty as to whether regional air defenses would succeed in thwarting the threat, the official says.
US President Joe Biden was in the Situation Room with his top aides, receiving updates in real-time, and “there was a bit of relief” once the US confirmed that the defenses had succeeded.
“It was an extremely phenomenal display of the defensive capability of Israel… They were of course supported by US forces, in particular, our two (carriers) in the eastern Mediterranean,” the senior administration official says.
IDF says it struck buildings used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
The IDF says it struck several buildings used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon’s Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, and Markaba a short while ago.
Another Hezbollah observation post was hit in Matmoura, it says.
IDF releases footage of damage caused by ballistic missiles to southern Israel airbase, northern Israel road
A crater is seen near a taxiway at the Nevatim Airbase, following an Iranian ballistic missile strike, April 14, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
The Israeli military releases footage showing the damage caused to the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, after it was hit by Iranian ballistic missiles overnight.
According to the IDF, the airbase continues to function as usual, and the damage to an area near a taxiway was “minor.”
Another missile Iranian ballistic missile hit a road in the Mount Hermon area of northern Israel, causing damage, the IDF adds.
A crater is seen in a road in the Mount Hermon area, following an Iranian ballistic missile strike, April 14, 2024.
Nearly all of the 120 ballistic missiles fired by Iran at Israel were downed by air defenses.
The IDF also releases additional footage showing Israeli Air Force fighter jets downing some of the 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles fired from Iran at Israel overnight.
Saudi official says Iran engineered war in Gaza to ruin normalization with Israel
An unnamed official from the Saudi royal family tells the Kan public broadcaster that “any suspicious object” that enters Saudi Arabian airspace is intercepted, an apparent nod toward the kingdom’s alleged role in shooting down Iranian attack drones headed for Israel last night.
The Saudi official also criticized Iran for having “engineered a war in Gaza” in order to destroy the progress it was making in normalizing relations with Israel, Kan reports.
“Iran is a country that sponsors terrorism, and it should have been stopped a long time ago,” Kan quotes the official as saying.
War cabinet yet to decide on response to Iran’s attack; Gantz reportedly wanted to hit back last night
File - The Israeli war cabinet and top security officials meet in Tel Aviv on April 14, hours after Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel. (Amos Ben Gershom/ GPO)
After several hours of discussion, Israel’s war cabinet has yet to decide on how and when to respond Iran’s missile and drone attack.
Ministers have suspended their discussions without a decision, Channel 12 news reports, though they are expected to reconvene in the near future.
According to multiple Hebrew media reports, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz and his National Unity party colleague Gadi Eisenkot, an observer in the war cabinet, both proposed striking back at Iran even as the Iranian attack was underway last night.
This suggestion was firmly opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, and others, Channel 12 news reports, in part because of the strain of undertaking simultaneous action when the IAF was focused on intercepting Iran’s incoming missiles and drones.
The Prime Minister’s Office denies this, saying “the opposite was true.” Channel 12 says it stands by the story, saying it was confirmed by four sources.
Subsequently, when the success of Israel’s air defense systems was evident and it was clear that the Iranian onslaught had caused little damage, and after US President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu, the idea of an immediate Israeli response was set aside, both Channels 12 and 13 report.
In an unsourced report, Channel 12 claims that the US has not sought to veto any Israeli response, but that it has told Israel it needs to know in advance, and be coordinated, on any such reaction. The US has publicly made clear that it will not participate in any Israel response.
Channel 12 further claims that Israel is trying to ascertain whether, in return for restraint, it can attain some kind of “strategic pact” with the US against Iran, without having to make commitments on matters such as the Palestinian issue.
Foreign Minister Katz talks Iranian threats with Egyptian counterpart
Foreign Minister Israel Katz says he spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry a short while ago about the threat posed by Iran to the region and Israel’s right to defend itself.
“I told him that Iran and its affiliates are the main threat to the stability of the Middle East, and that the moderate countries in the region, together with the countries of the world, should act in order to curb Iran’s aggression,” Katz writes on X, formerly Twitter.
He adds that the two countries will “continue to work together to maintain stability and security in the region.”
Biden told PM to ‘think strategically about risk of escalation’ in weighing response to Iran — official
US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on their call last night that Israel must “think carefully and strategically about the risk of escalation,” as it weighs how to respond to Iran’s drone and missile attack, a senior Biden administration official says.
The administration official is careful not to say that the US opposes an Israeli military response to Iran’s attack. However, he stresses in a briefing with reporters that the US would not join Israel in such a strike.
“Israel has made clear to us that they’re not looking for a significant escalation with Iran. They’re looking to protect themselves and defend themselves,” the senior administration official says.
How Israel responds to the Iranian strike is “a calculation the Israelis have to make. This was an unprecedented attack from Iran against Israel. At the same time, we think in the overall exchange here, the Israelis came out very much on top,” he says.
“We are committed to defending Israel, [but] we would not be a part of any response,” the senior administration official clarifies.
“The events of the last 10 days have demonstrated that while we may have some disagreements, the United States of America stands with Israel and there’s no question that we will come to their defense when they are attacked,” the official adds.
IDF says Iran launched 350 missiles and drones overnight with combined 60 tons of explosive
Israeli air defense systems intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, April 14, 2024. (AP/Tomer Neuberg)
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a press conference puts the number of Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel in the overnight attack at approximately 350.
He says the projectiles had a combined 60 tons of explosives, which “could cause tremendous damage.”
“We are still in the midst of a significant operational day, after thwarting the Iranian attack. In the last few hours, we held assessments and approved plans for defense and attack,” Hagari says.
He says Home Front Command guidelines will remain in effect, but wherever the army can ease the restrictions, it will do so.
“Iran’s plan failed,” Hagari says. “Out of hundreds of launches, only a few missiles entered Israeli territory and caused only minor damage to the infrastructure at the [Nevatim airforce] base.”
Jordan’s foreign ministry summons Iranian ambassador for questioning decision to shoot down drones
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has summoned Iran’s ambassador to warn Tehran that it must stop questioning Jordan’s position, after it assisted Israel in shooting down the hundreds of attack drones and missiles last night.
“Everything that poses a threat to Jordan and to the security of Jordanians, we confront with all our capabilities and abilities,” the ministry says on X, formerly Twitter.
At the same time, Jordan’s King Abdullah told US President Joe Biden in a phone call that any further escalation from Israel in response to Iran’s attacks would widen the conflict in the region, Jordanian state media reports.
Herzog: Israel considering all options after Iran’s ‘declaration of war’
President Isaac Herzog attends a ceremony in which Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron's tenure is extended for another five-year term, at the President's Residence, in Jerusalem, December 18, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/ FLASH90)
President Isaac Herzog tells Sky News in an interview that Israel is “considering all options,” in the wake of Iran’s attack last night in which it launched hundreds of attack drones and missiles.
“This is a declaration of war,” he says of the attack. “Now, because we are restrained and because we know the repercussions, and because we have deliberations with our partners, we are considering all options and I’m quite confident that we will take the necessary steps to protect and defend our people. We are not war seekers.”
He adds that last night’s attack is “just another example” of how Iran operates, “spreading havoc, terror, and instability all over the world.”
“It’s about time that the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran, and makes it clear to the Iranian regime that this cannot pass by, that this is unacceptable,” Herzog adds.
G7 leaders condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, attempts to destabilize the Middle East
US President Joe Biden spoke with leaders of the G7 nations about Iran’s attack on Israel a short while ago, the White House says in a statement.
The G7 leaders condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and said that they would work to try to stabilize the situation in the Middle East.
“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided,” a statement issued by G7 president Italy says, after a video conference involving the group’s leaders.
The leaders also warned of the need to avoid further escalation in the wider region, Bloomberg reports, and called for a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas and the release of the 129 hostages taken captive on October 7 and still held by terror groups in Gaza.
Settlers caught on camera setting car ablaze during West Bank riots, as IDF soldiers do nothing to stop them
During riots in the West Bank last night, settlers were caught on camera setting fire to a vehicle in a private parking lot in full view of the IDF soldiers who were guarding them, but did nothing to stop them.
The footage of the violence was captured by the property owner’s security camera, the Yesh Din rights group says.
“Violent revenge incidents by settlers a recurring phenomenon. However, although security forces and law enforcement authorities are aware of the danger, they are not prepared to protect Palestinians and do not act to prevent such attacks — not in advance, nor in real-time, nor retroactively,” Yesh Din says in a statement about the incident.
“There are no preventive actions, no arrests, and no indictments against the perpetrators. As seen in the video, the soldiers do not intervene — contrary to their duty and authority,” the rights group adds.
Violence erupted in the West Bank over the weekend after the body of 14-year-old Benjamin Achimeir was found on Saturday, a day after he went missing. Throughout the search for the teen and after, Jewish settlers rampaged through a number of Palestinian villages, vandalizing property, and causing injuries and a fatality.
IDF calls up two reserve brigades for ‘operational missions’ in Gaza Strip area
Troops operating in the Gaza Strip in an undated photo released by the military on April 14, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
The IDF is calling up two reserve brigades for “operational missions” in the Gaza Strip area, the military says.
“Their call-up will allow the continuation of the effort and readiness to defend the State of Israel and maintain the security of the residents,” the IDF says in a short statement.
UK’s Cameron condemns Tehran’s attack on Israel in call with Iranian counterpart
British Foreign Minister David Cameron says he has “formally condemned in the strongest terms” Iran’s attack on Israel in a call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
“I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate and release the MSC Aries,” Cameron says on X, referring to a Portuguese-flagged vessel that Iran’s state news agency IRNA said had been seized by Revolutionary Guards.
IDF chief Halevi thanks CENTCOM chief for joint defense effort against Iran
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi holds an assessment with the IDF's top brass, April 14, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi spoke with CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla earlier today, following last night’s Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel, the military says.
Halevi “expressed great appreciation for the joint defense effort to thwart and intercept the Iranian attack on Israel,” the IDF says in a statement.
He also told Kurilla that the “close cooperation between the armies throughout the war resulted in the creation of a strong defense coalition that proved itself last night.”
The US was among several nations that intercepted many of the 170 Iranian drones heading toward Israel amid last night’s attack.
The IDF chief also held an assessment with the General Staff Forum following the call with Kurilla, the military adds.
Home Front Command restrictions to remain in place until Monday at 11 p.m.
A closed school in the northern Israeli city of Safed, April 14, 2024, after Iran launched hundreds of attack drones and missiles at Israel overnight. (David Cohen/Flash90)
The IDF says Home Front Command restrictions issued ahead of the Iranian missile and drone attack last night will remain in effect until Monday at 11 p.m.
“Following a situational assessment, the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines remain unchanged and in effect,” the military says.
The guidelines prohibit educational activities nationwide and restrict gatherings to 1,000 people. In some areas, such as near the Gaza and Lebanon borders, stricter gathering restrictions already exist.
Home Front Command restrictions issued April 13, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Lufthansa suspends flights to Israel, Jordan and Iraqi Kurdistan until Monday
Lufthansa aircrafts parked at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, September 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Probst,file)
Lufthansa suspends its flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel until Monday, as well as its flights to Amman in Jordan, and Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, a spokesman says.
Following Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel late Saturday, the German airline is “constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East,” a spokesman tells AFP.
Flights to and from Beirut and Tehran will remain suspended until at least April 18, after the company said Friday its planes would no longer use Iranian airspace.
Lufthansa flights to the Iranian capital have been suspended since April 6.
Israel announced the reopening of its airspace on Sunday morning, along with its neighbors Jordan and Lebanon, and Iraq, which borders Iran.
Iran says Nevatim, Mount Hermon bases were targets of attack
A screenshot showing the website of state run Iranian news agency ISNA (screen capture: ISNA.ir)
An article carried by state-run Iranian Students News Agency says Tehran’s attack last night targeted the Nevatim air base and a military facility on Mount Hermon.
According to the unsigned column, which seemingly reflects the regime’s party line on the attack, Nevatim was targeted because, Tehran alleges, a deadly assault on the country’s consulate in Damascus earlier this month was launched from there.
It says a military intelligence site on Mount Hermon was also a target, and that the attack was also meant as a response to years of Israeli attacks on Iranian positions in Syria.
“Israeli cities were not supposed to be targeted in this operation, although Israeli citizens experienced the worst night of their lives,” the column claims, not mentioning the small Bedouin girl who was the lone Israeli wounded, according to Israel.
Instead, ISNA claims that “Iran’s missiles hit the predetermined targets. However, Israel is trying to downplay the damage of this attack.”
The column describes the attack on Israel, in which some 99% of over 300 projectiles were shot down, as a major victory for Tehran, running it alongside an airbrushed picture of air defense activity over the Dome of the Rock.
Reports that the US won’t join an Israeli counterattack are seen as a sign that Iran proved its mettle and now even Washington doesn’t want to tangle.
“This operation raised the deterrence level of the Islamic Republic of Iran and even the repeated calls of Western officials to dissuade Iran from responding to Israel were useless,” it says.
The column also goes big on the threats, including quoting Iran air force chief Major General Ali Bagheri claiming that Iran could have mounted an attack 10 times larger, but wasn’t looking to go balls to the wall yet.
Gantz, German foreign minister discuss need for ‘global united front’ against Iran
War cabinet minister Benny Gantz spoke to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock a short while ago, and the two discussed the need to form an international alliance in the face of Iranian aggression, Gantz writes on X, formerly Twitter.
“We discussed first and foremost the imperative of forming a global united front to counter emboldened Iranian aggression directly and through its proxies – regionally and globally,” writes Gantz.
He adds that he conveyed his appreciation “for both Germany’s and the Minister’s personal clear stance in support of Israel and the unequivocal German condemnation of the Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”
Iranians respond to Tehran’s attack on Israel with mix of fear and pride
An Iranian cleric chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranians were torn between a fear of war and pride at their country’s unprecedented attack on Israel, in which it launched hundreds of attack drones and missiles in retaliation for the deadly strike on its Damascus consulate earlier this month, which it has blamed Israel for.
“It is normal to be worried in this situation, whether from a social or economic point of view,” says 47-year-old Jafari, an employee with Iran’s judiciary who did not give his full name.
“But the fact that Iran has been able to reach this level of special ability… is a matter of pride,” he tells AFP in downtown Tehran.
Israel says 99% of all projectiles launched by Iran last night were intercepted, and it mounted a successful defense with the help of the US, UK, Jordan, France and other allied countries.
Not everyone shares Jafari’s outlook, however.
Milad, a private school teacher who also did not give her full name, says she hopes the “conflict will not continue” because it might lead to a “destructive war” for both Israel and Iran.
“We have not yet completely rebuilt the ruins of the Iran-Iraq war in the country’s southwest,” says the 46-year-old.
“A war is no joke.”
Touring Arrow 3 air defense system, Gallant says Israel has opportunity to form international alliance against Iran
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (left) and US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, are seen at an Arrow 3 battery in Israel, April 14, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
Touring one of the Arrow 3 air defense system batteries that participated in last night’s interception of Iranian ballistic missiles, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel experienced “one of the most dramatic nights,” and that the attack is an opportunity to establish an alliance against Iran.
“Last night Israel experienced one of the most dramatic nights we have ever experienced, hundreds of missiles of various types were fired at the State of Israel including over 100 ballistic missiles fired from Iran, each with hundreds of kilograms of explosives,” Gallant says at the Arrow 3 site, joined by US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew.
“The continuous preparation we did together with our American partners brought the most impressive results,” he says.
“Together with the US and other countries, we have established a strong and powerful alliance, with coordination and synchronization between the defense establishments of the State of Israel, the US and our partners. The result is a complete containment of the threats except for a very, very small margin, and I want to say in this regard, kudos to the defense establishment, kudos to the IDF, and kudos to our partners,” Gallant continues.
“We have an opportunity here to establish a strategic alliance against this serious threat from Iran, which threatens to put nuclear explosives on the heads of these missiles. This thing could be a very serious threat. The US, Israel and its allies stand shoulder to shoulder to defend against this threat,” he adds.
WATCH: IDF releases footage of fighter jets downing Iranian drones, cruise missiles
Israeli Air Force fighter jets are seen in an undated image published by the IDF on April 14, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
The IDF releases footage showing Israeli Air Force fighter jets downing some of the 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles fired from Iran at Israel overnight.
All the drones and cruise missiles were downed outside of the country’s airspace by the IAF and its allies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Jordan, France, and others.
Kirby after Iranian attack: US doesn’t seek wider war in the Middle East
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby speaks during the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, March 1, 2024. (Saul Loeb / AFP)
White House National Security spokesman John Kirby tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the US isn’t seeking “a wider war in the region” after it assisted Israel to defend itself against Iran’s attack yesterday evening.
“We don’t seek an escalation,” Kirby says, but adds that US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their call last night that the US will continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense.
Culture and Sport Minister Zohar slams ‘weak, outdated’ response to Iranian attack
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar at his office in Jerusalem, January 2, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
In a statement only minutes after war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz states that Israel will deal with Iran “in the way and at the time that suits us,” Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar releases a statement criticizing what he calls a “weak response” to Iranian aggression.
“A weak response to the unprecedented Iranian aggression is the continuation of the outdated concept of reasonable logic in the face of brutal terrorists,” he says, appearing to criticize Israel’s lack of retaliation against Iran.
“It failed against Hamas and we got the 7th of October, it failed against Hezbollah which attacks us continuously and led to the evacuation of the residents of the north, and it will fail against Iran which did not hesitate to attack Israel directly.”
After Iran announced that it had launched hundreds of drones at Israel yesterday evening, Zohar claimed Israel had “broad international legitimacy tonight to strike Iran with unprecedented force,” and urged a response “against the head of the snake that is working to destroy Israel.”
Gantz: Israel will respond when time is right, must continue to strengthen regional alliances after successful defense against Iran
Head of the National Unity party Minister Benny Gantz holds a press conference at the Knesset, April 3, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Israel must strengthen the “strategic alliance and the regional cooperation” that allowed it to weather yesterday’s Iranian attack, war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz declares in a statement.
“Iran is a global problem, it is a regional challenge and it is also a danger to Israel, and yesterday, the world clearly stood together with Israel in the face of the danger. Israel against Iran, the world against Iran – this is the result. This is a strategic achievement, which we must leverage for Israel’s security,” he says.
“This event is not over – the strategic alliance and the regional cooperation system that we built and stood its significant test need to be strengthened precisely now. Israel proved yesterday that it is an anchor of military and technological power, and an anchor of security in the Middle East,” he continues.
“Faced with the threat of Iran – we will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us. And most importantly – in the face of the desire of our enemies to harm us, we will unite and become stronger,” Gantz adds, seemingly indicating that he does not support immediate retaliation against Iran itself.
“Even today, we must remember that we have not yet completed our tasks – primarily the return of the hostages and the removal of the threat against the residents of the north and south. We will continue the campaign, with determination and responsibility. And together – we will win.”
ERAN mental health hotline says it received four times the calls last night than it did the night before
The number of people who contacted the ERAN emotional first-aid hotline last night was nearly four times higher than Friday night.
The organization reports that from 8 p.m. yesterday to 8 a.m. this morning, it received 491 calls. This compares to 128 during the same period Friday through Saturday, and 366 Saturday to Sunday the previous week.
With news outlets reporting that the strike from Iran would happen soon, ERAN made more of its trained volunteers available to handle an anticipated influx of calls.
Israelis can contact ERAN by phone at *3201, website, or WhatsApp. The organization has a dedicated service for new immigrants, who can speak to someone in English, Russian, Spanish, Amharic, and French.
Turkey tells Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel
File: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (L) during a welcoming ceremony in Ankara, on January 24, 2024. (Adem Altan/AFP)
Turkey does not want further escalation of tension in the region after Iran’s drone and missile attack against Israel, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan tells his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Sunday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told Fidan that its “retaliatory operation” against Israel had ended, adding that Iran would not launch a new operation unless it was attacked, Turkish diplomatic sources say.
Turkey has been one of Israel’s harshest critics throughout the war against Hamas, and has been outspoken in its support for the Gaza terror group.
In January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, and the two discussed US and UK strikes on Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, which the two slammed as a disproportionate use of force.
Foreign Ministry calls for new sanctions on Iran, stresses Israel’s right to self-defense
The Foreign Ministry issues a statement insisting that Israel has the right to self-defense following Iran’s massive aerial assault on Israel Saturday night, and says that “Iran must pay a price for its aggression.”
Jerusalem says that the “initial price” must be the immediate recognition of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps — the massive paramilitary force that answers to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — as a terror organization, as well as new sanctions against Iran, especially those targeting Tehran’s ballistic missile program
“Last night, a large-scale and unprecedented attack — consisting of hundreds of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles — was launched by Iran against the State of Israel,” the Foreign Ministry says.
“This attack proves what Israel has been saying for years: Iran is the one behind the terrorist attacks in the region, and is also the greatest threat to regional stability and world order.”
The statement notes that Iran-backed militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, all “supplemented” the Iranian attack with their own aerial assaults on Israel.
“Just like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself in the face of Iran’s massive attack. Israel successfully defended itself against Iran’s aggression and will continue to do so in the future,” the Foreign Ministry says.
Netanyahu called off retaliatory strike on Iran after call with Biden – New York Times
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls US President Joe Biden from IDF's Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 14, 2024. (GPO)
US President Joe Biden dissuaded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from greenlighting an immediate retaliatory strike against Iran after it launched around 300 attack drones and missiles at Israel last night, the New York Times reports.
According to the report, several members of Israel’s war cabinet had been in favor of launching a response attack, but the lack of serious damage caused by Iran, in addition to Netanyahu’s conversation with Biden, led to it being called off.
IDF says troops built bridges for tanks to cross Wadi Gaza river and hit terror targets
Troops operating in the Gaza Strip in an undated photo released by the military on April 14, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)
As the IDF continues a pinpoint operation against Hamas in the central Gaza Strip, the military says combat engineers built bridges for tanks to cross the Wadi Gaza river.
Two bridges were used by troops of the 401st Armored Brigade to carry out an offensive against several sites belonging to terror groups south of the stream.
The IDF says its 162nd Division continues to kill gunmen in the area, on the outskirts of Nuseirat camp.
The troops also uncovered and destroyed several rocket launchers, which were primed for attacks on Israel, the military says.
UNICEF chief meets with hostages’ families, says she’s called for their release since Oct. 7
Caroline Russell, executive director of UNICEF, second from left, meeting with hostage family members in Israel on April 14, 2024 (Courtesy Mordechai Gordon/Foreign Ministry)
Caroline Russell, executive director of UNICEF, the United Nations emergency fund for children, meets in Israel for the first time with several hostage family members, including a cousin of hostage Yarden Bibas; Batsheva Yahalomi, whose son Eitan, was held hostage and whose husband, Ohad, is still a captive; Adi Shoham, who was held hostage with her young children and whose husband, Tal Shoham, is still a captive; and the aunt of 4-year-old Avigail Idan, whose parents were killed as she was taken hostage to Gaza with the neighbors.
This is Russell’s first visit to Israel following the devastating Hamas attack of October 7, a trip arranged by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. She visited Gaza in mid-November but was injured in a car accident in Egypt and had to postpone her visit to Israel.
The family members speak at length about their difficult experiences, asking Russell to make a statement about the release of the hostages, emphasizing the Bibas family — Yarden, his wife Shiri and their two young children, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, 1.
Russell says she has been calling for the unconditional release of all the abductees since October 7.
The UNICEF chief will also meet with President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal Herzog, will speak with organizations working on the hostage issue and will visit Schneider Medical Center, which treated many of the children who returned from Hamas captivity.
Iran says it gave 72 hours notice of Israel attack to ‘friends and neighbors in the region’
Explosions lighting up Jerusalem sky during Iranian attack on Israel, on April 14, 2024. (Screengrab, AFPTV / AFP)
Iran notified its neighbors of its attack on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says.
“About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbors in the region that Iran’s response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable,” Amirabdollahian says at a press conference.
Magen David Adom calls for blood donations at special stations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv
Israelis donate blood in Jerusalem, on October 9, 2023 (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)
In the run-up to Passover and given the security situation, Magen David Adom blood services is asking the public to donate blood at stations opened especially today in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The location in Jerusalem will be open until 6 p.m. and the one in Tel Aviv will be open 3-8:30 pm. More information can be found on the MDA website. Other donation sites are open, as well.
MDA asks people to donate blood, especially type O-negative, so that the nation’s supply will be sufficient for emergencies.
Zelensky condemns attack on Israel: Ukraine also knows the horror of Iranian terror drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky answers media questions during his press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemns Iran’s attack on Israel and says his nation understands the “horror” of Iranian drones, also used by Russia in its invasion.
“Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using ‘Shahed’ drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same ‘Shahed’ drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes,” Zelensky writes on X.
“Every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world,” he writes.
“The sound of ‘Shahed’ drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide,” the Ukrainian leader says.
Zelensky says that “words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles,” renewing his call for assistance.
“It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America’s allies at this critical time,” he says.
UK PM praises British pilots for ‘flying into the face of danger to protect civilians’ during Iran’s attack on Israel
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addresses the media at Downing Street in London, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirms that the Royal Air Force shot down “a number of drones” during the overnight Iranian attack on Israel.
The British prime minister says Iran’s attack was a “dangerous and unnecessary escalation,” and that the RAF operation saved lives in Israel and its neighboring countries.
“I want to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians,” he says.
Iran’s foreign minister: We will not hesitate to defend our interests against any ‘new aggression’
File - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a media conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, February 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Iran’s foreign minister says the Islamic Republic does not intend to continue its “defensive operations” but will protect itself “against any new aggression.”
“Exercising the right of legitimate defense shows Iran’s responsible approach to regional and international peace and security,” writes Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on X.
“At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression,” he writes, hours after Iran launched a large wave of around 300 attack drones and missiles in its first-ever direct attack on Israel.
German foreign minister: Israel has shown it can protect itself, Iran is isolated
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock gives a statement on the situation in the Middle East on April 14, 2024 at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin (Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says Israel has shown that it is strong and can defend itself by repelling an Iranian attack overnight together with allies.
“Iran is isolated with its aggressive behavior with which it wants to destabilize an entire region,” she says. “And Israel’s capacities have shown Israel is strong, Israel can protect itself.”
Baerbock calls on Iran to forgo further attacks including via proxies as a regional escalation would have incalculable consequences.
IDF confirms strike on Hezbollah ‘significant weapons manufacturing site’ in northeast Lebanon
People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Chit in the Baalbek district in Lebanon on April 14, 2024 (AFP)
The IDF confirms carrying out an airstrike earlier today in the Nabi Chit area, near northeastern Lebanon’s Baalbek.
The strike targeted a “significant weapons manufacturing site” belonging to Hezbollah, the military says.
The IDF says the strike comes as a response to some 40 rockets fired by Hezbollah at northern Israel amid the overnight Iranian attack.
Iran summons UK, France, Germany envoys over ‘irresponsible stance’ on Israel attack
Iran’s foreign ministry summons the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour News Agency reports.
A number of nations helped to intercept the massive barrage of drones Iran fired at Israel overnight.
Russia urges all sides to ‘show restraint’ after Iranian drone, missile attack on Israel
The Dome of the Rock atop the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City, with the lights of missile interceptions visible in the night sky, early on April 14, 2024, after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel. (Social media/X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Russia urges all sides to “show restraint” after Iran launched an unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel.
“We are counting on the regional states to solve the existing problems with political and diplomatic means,” the foreign ministry says in a statement.
Moscow expresses “extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region.”
It says it had warned numerous times that “the lack of resolution to numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict” would “lead to growth in instability.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday held phone talks with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Russian foreign ministry said Lavrov reiterated “decisive condemnation” of an alleged Israeli strike in Syria earlier this month that killed Iranian generals.
Russia has previously condemned Israel’s conduct in its six-month war in Gaza against the Hamas terror group.
Moscow has traditionally tried to maintain relations with all major powers in the Middle East. But it has been strengthening military and political ties with Iran, with relations with Israel apparently weakening.
After Jordan downed dozens of Iranian drones, kingdom’s PM warns against regional escalation
File: Jordan's Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh attends a Ramadan Iftar reception at Al-Bateen Palace in Abu Dhabi on April 18, 2023. (Rashed AL-MANSOORI / UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs / AFP)
Jordan’s Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh says any escalation in the region will lead to “dangerous paths” and says that there’s a need to reduce escalation by all parties.
In remarks to the cabinet, Khasawneh says the country’s armed forces will confront any attempt by any party that sought to endanger the kingdom’s security.
The staunch US ally’s air defenses intercepted and downed dozens of Iranian drones and missiles that flew over the country’s airspace in the direction of Israeli targets, security sources say.
Israelis flock to airport for Passover vacations; passenger numbers down as flights canceled after Iran attack
Passengers at the departure hall in the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on April 14, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Undeterred by the overnight attack from Iran that saw Israeli airspace closed for a number of hours, Israelis flock to Ben Gurion Airport to take flights for the upcoming Passover holiday.
While today was expected to see some 52,000 passengers take 380 flights, the cancellations by a number of airlines means that only around 30,000 people will travel from the airport over the course of the day, financial outlet The Marker reports.
IDF denies Gazans allowed to return to north of Strip: ‘False reports, it remains a combat zone’
The Israel Defense Forces denies reports that residents are being allowed to return to north Gaza.
“Further to the reports that IDF forces are allowing the return of residents to the north of the Gaza Strip, these are false reports,” the military says in a statement.
“The IDF will not allow the return of residents either through the Salah A-Din axis or through the Rashid axis (the coast). The northern area of the Gaza Strip is still a combat zone and it will not be possible to return to it,” the military says.
7-year-old girl injured in Iranian missile attack undergoes surgery for major head wound
The 7-year-old girl who was seriously wounded during the interception of a missile fired from Iran last night underwent surgery for a major head wound, Soroka Medical Center says.
The girl, from a Bedouin town near Arad, is now in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit.
Her injury occurred when shrapnel from the intercepted ballistic missile fell on her family’s home around 2 a.m.
Western nations condemn Iran attack on Israel, issue statements of solidarity
An anti-missile system fires interception missiles at drones and missiles fired from Iran, as it seen over Jerusalem, on April 14, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Numerous Western countries condemn Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile assault on Israel and express strong support for Israel following Tehran’s aerial bombardment Saturday night.
The US, the UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic, Argentina and Paraguay all condemn Iran’s attack, as do UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrel.
Several countries go even further, expressing solidarity with Israel or declaring their commitment to its security.
US President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken both repeat their message that America’s commitment to Israel’s security against Iran is “ironclad,” while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK would “continue to stand up for Israel’s security.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada “unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel,” adding, “We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.”
Germany’s foreign minister expresses solidarity with Israel, as does Argentinan President Javier Milei whose office said it “expresses its solidarity and unwavering commitment to the State of Israel.”
An unnamed spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry says merely that “China expresses deep concern over the current escalation” and called on “relevant parties” to refrain from “further escalations.”
Chile’s foreign minister says the country “condemns the use of force” but does not explicitly condemn Iran, while Mexico’s foreign ministry “expresses deep concern over Iran’s attack” but likewise does not directly condemn Tehran.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says merely that the government is “following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern” and says its embassies will remain open “to support Spaniards in the area.”
Some Mideast airlines cancel, reroute flights after Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel
Major airlines across the Middle East announce the cancellation of some of their flights, while having to reroute others, after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel.
Emirates Airlines cancels some of its fights, while Etihad Airways cancels services to Tel Aviv and Amman on Sunday.
“Some of our flights have been affected by the temporary closure of a number of airspaces in the region,” a statement from the United Arab Emirates’s Fly Dubai was quoted on state news agency WAM as saying.
The attack spurred similar announcements from Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait following several Arab countries announcing the temporary closure of their airspaces.
Israeli airlines, meanwhile, said operations were returning to normal after Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT).
Israeli, US jets downed dozens of Iranian drones over Syrian airspace – Western intelligence sources
Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two Western intelligence sources say.
They tell Reuters the aerial interceptions shot down dozens of missiles and drones fired by Iran that flew above southern Syria in the Deraa province, the Syrian Golan Heights and several locations in eastern Syria along the border with Iraq.
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange shares see moderate decline after Iran attack
Illustrative: The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. November 29, 2020. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)
Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange decline moderately after Iran launched a large wave of drones and missiles at Israel overnight in the first-ever direct attack by the Islamic Republic.
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index slips 0.4%, and the TA-35 index of blue-chip companies falls 0.3%. The Tel Aviv index of the five largest banks is down 0.4% and the TA-Insurance & Financial Services drops 0.9%. The TA-Biomed index falls 3.1%.
Iran on Saturday night fired a wave of around 300 projectiles from its territory toward Israel, comprising 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, triggering air raid sirens throughout the country. The Israeli army said 99% of the projectiles had been intercepted by Israeli and allied countries’ air defenses.
Hamas welcomes Iran attack on Israel: ‘A natural right and a deserved response’
Hamas defends Iran’s attack on Israel involving a large wave of around 300 attack drones and missiles.
“We in Hamas regard the military operation conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran a natural right and a deserved response on the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the assassination of several leaders of the Revolutionary Guards,” the terror group says in a statement.
Tehran’s attacks were launched after an alleged Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1, which killed several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, including two generals.
Lebanese media reports Israeli strikes some 100 km from border
Lebanese media outlets report Israeli strikes near the town of Nabi Chit in the Baalbek District of northeastern Lebanon.
Footage posted to social media shows smoke rising from a targeted site.
Baalbek, an area identified in the past as a Hezbollah stronghold, is around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Israeli border.
Jordan says it intercepted projectiles to ensure safety of its citizens
An image grab from AFPTV footage shows Jordanian onlookers and security agents standing around the debris of a missile intercepted over Amman amid an unprecedented Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel, April 14, 2024 (Ahmad SHOURA / AFP)
Jordan intercepted some flying objects that entered its airspace overnight night to ensure the safety of its citizens, a cabinet statement says.
Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel.
Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, had readied air defenses to intercept any drones or missiles that violated its territory, two regional security sources say.
“Some shrapnel fell in multiple places during that time without causing any significant damage or any injuries to citizens,” the Jordan cabinet statement adds.
Rocket sirens sound in communities close to northern border
Sirens sound in a number of communities close to the northern border, warning of incoming rocket fire.
Iran warns Israel against retaliating; says will hit US bases if Washington backs counterattack
Iran warns Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate against Tehran’s overnight drone and missile attack, adding that Washington has been warned not to back Israeli military action.
“Our response will be much larger than tonight’s military action if Israel retaliates against Iran,” armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri tells state TV, adding that Tehran warned Washington that any backing of Israeli retaliation would result in US bases being targeted.
Addressing Iranian state TV, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Hossein Salami, says Tehran had entered a “new equation” in which any Israeli attack on its interests, assets, officials or citizens would be reciprocated from its own territory.
Salami says the operation was a success “beyond expectations.” According to Israel, 99 percent of the 300-plus projectiles fired at Israel were intercepted.
According to media reports, citing senior administration officials, US President Joe Biden has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would not aid any Israeli counterattack on Iran.
Axios and CNN report that message was passed during a phone call between the pair.
Axios reports that Biden told Netanyahu the US would oppose any Israeli counterattack. CNN reports that Biden said the US would not take part in any such counteraction.
Herzog thanks military, Israel’s allies for interception of Iranian missiles, drones
President Isaac Herzog attends a ceremony in which Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron's tenure is extended for another five-year term, at the President's Residence, in Jerusalem, December 18, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/ FLASH90)
President Isaac Herzog expresses his gratitude to the military and to Israel’s allies after Iran launched a large wave of around 300 attack drones and missiles toward Israel in an assault that was almost entirely repelled.
“Bless you dear soldiers and commanders of the IDF and IAF. Bless the coalition of nations led by the US and @POTUS,” Herzog writes on X.
“Bless my sisters and brothers, the people of Israel, for their exceptional show of resilience. Together, the forces of good will overcome the forces of evil,” Herzog says.
IDF: France helped in defense of Israel against Iranian missile, drone attack
Israel’s chief military spokesperson says that France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.
“France has very good technology, jets, radar – and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace,” says Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, adding that he did not have exact details on whether French jets had shot down any of the missiles launched by Iran.
Israeli officials said earlier this morning that the United States, Britain, and Jordan also all helped intercept the massive barrage of drones Iran fired at Israel overnight.
The IDF said the Iranian attack, the Islamic Republic’s first direct assault on Israel, comprised some 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles.
Father of girl seriously injured by shrapnel during Iran attack: ‘It fell on the house, she was sleeping’
Mohammed, the father of the girl who was seriously injured during the interception of a projectile fired at Israel by Iran last night, says the shrapnel fell on their home.
“It fell on us into the house at around 2 in the morning. She was sleeping in the house and we immediately took her to Soroka Hospital [in Beersheba],” he says.
The 7-year-old girl — who has not been publicly named — was wounded by shrapnel from the interception of a ballistic missile. The girl lives in a Bedouin town near Arad.
Jordan reopens airspace after closing it when Iran launched drone, missile attack on Israel
Jordan reopened its airspace after closing it late on Saturday after Iran launched drones and missiles in an attack against Israel, state TV says, citing Jordanian aviation authorities.
China ‘expresses deep concern’ over ‘current escalation’ between Iran, Israel
Beijing expresses “deep concern” over Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman says.
“China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations,” the unnamed spokesman says.
“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” the foreign ministry spokesman says.
Israel reopens airspace, 7 hours after it was shut amid Iran attack
After seven hours, Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), the country’s airports authority says after an overnight attack by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones.
It says flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travelers should check flight times.
US trip by Israeli officials to discuss Rafah operation ‘on the back burner now’
A tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive is seen in Rafah, Gaza Strip, February 27, 2024. (Hatem Ali/ AP)
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi were slated to fly to Washington this week to discuss the looming Rafah operation, but that trip is in doubt after the Iranian attack.
“It’s on the back burner now,” says an Israeli official.
Israel has been threatening to enter Rafah, the last Gaza city fully in Hamas hands, for weeks. Netanyahu has even said there is a date for the operation. But the US has come out against a major IDF action in the crowded city where some 1.5 million Gazans are sheltering.
Dermer and Hanegbi held a tense videoconference about a potential operation in Rafah with White House officials earlier this month, and had been expected to fly to Washington to continue talks.
Israeli official: No decision made yet on response to Iranian missile, drone attack
This video grab from AFPTV taken on April 14, 2024, shows explosions lighting up the sky over the West Bank city of Hebron, during an Iranian attack on Israel. (AFPTV/AFP)
No decision was made about an Israeli response to the Iranian missile and drone attack at the situation assessment this morning, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
The potential response will be discussed at the war cabinet meeting today, slated for 3 p.m.
Blinken: US commitment to Israel’s security is ‘ironclad’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweets a similar message to that put forth by other senior members of the Biden administration, saying that the US commitment to Israel’s security is “ironclad.”
“The United States condemns Iran’s attack on Israel,” he writes.
IDF says it targeted sites belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force in south Lebanon
The IDF says it struck sites belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force in southern Lebanon’s Jbaa overnight.
Other buildings the IDF says are used by the terror group in Khiam and Kafr Kila were also hit.
The strikes came in response to around 40 rockets fired by Hezbollah on northern Israel overnight, amid the Iranian attack.
Mossad: Hamas rejected proposal for hostage agreement, Sinwar not interested in a deal
Demonstrators call for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and rally against the government outside Hakirya Base in Tel Aviv, April 13, 2024 (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)
Hamas has rejected the offer Israel put forward last week in Cairo, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Mossad intelligence agency.
“The rejection of the proposal from the three mediators,” says the PMO, “which included significantly greater room for flexibility on the Israeli side, proves that [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar is not interested in a humanitarian deal and in the return of the hostages, and continues to take advantage of tensions with Iran to try to unite the theaters and to achieve a general escalation in the region.”
Israel will continue working to achieve its goals, says the statement, and will “turn over every stone to bring back the 133 hostages from Gaza as soon as possible.”
Israel received news that Hamas had rejected the latest offer for a hostage deal at 7 p.m. Saturday night, but was too focused on the Iranian attack to put out a statement, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.
A low-level Israeli negotiating team is still in Cairo.
IDF: 99% of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted
Pictures released by the Israeli Air Force showing planes returning after intercepting the direct attack from Iran, April 14, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says 99% of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted by air defenses.
“This is a very significant strategic achievement,” he says in a morning press statement.
“The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, combined with a strong fighting coalition, which together intercepted the vast majority of the threats,” Hagari says.
He says Iran launched 170 drones at Israel, and not one entered Israeli airspace. They were all downed outside of the country’s borders by Israel and its allies.
Another 30 cruise missiles were launched, and not a single one entered Israeli airspace, he says. According to Hagari, 25 of them were downed by the Israeli Air Force.
In addition, Hagari says Iran fired 120 ballistic missiles at Israel. Many of them were downed by the long-range Arrow air defense system, although some of the missiles managed to bypass Israel’s defenses, hitting the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel.
Hagari says slight damage was caused to infrastructure at Nevatim, but the airbase is running as usual.
“As you can see now, the base is functioning and continues to perform its tasks. In the picture, you can see the runway at Nevatim,” he says, showing live footage from the airbase.
“Iran thought it would be able to paralyze the base and thus damage our air capabilities, but it failed. Air Force planes continue to take off and land from the base, and leave for offense and defense missions, including the Adir (F-35) planes that are now returning from a base defense mission and soon you will see them landing,” he says.
Additionally, he says, a handful of drones and missiles were launched from Iraq and Yemen amid the attack, although none entered Israeli airspace.
The IDF also releases images showing fighter jets after their return from downing the Iranian drones and cruise missiles.
US Vice President Harris: ‘We stand with the people of Israel in defense against these attacks’
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a speech on healthcare at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, March 26, 2024 (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
US Vice President Kamala Harris releases her first response to the Iranian strike on Israel, saying the White House support for Israel’s security is “ironclad.”
“We stand with the people of Israel in defense against these attacks,” she tweets.
Netanyahu: ‘We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls US President Joe Biden from IDF's Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 14, 2024. (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posts a short message on X, saying “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.”
The statement is his first public comment since the attack by Iran.
Netanyahu’s message comes after a two-hour situation assessment with war cabinet minister Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Gallant: IDF halted the attack impressively, the campaign still hasn’t ended
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issues a video statement, April 13, 2024. (Elad Malka/Defense Ministry)
After the situation assessment with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says that Israel has succeeded in stemming the main Iranian attack.
At the same time, he warns that “the campaign still hasn’t ended. We must be vigilant and attentive to IDF Home Front Command instructions, and to prepare for every scenario.”
“Israel withstood an attack tonight by hundreds of missiles and drones, and the IDF halted the attack impressively,” he says, praising the cooperating with the US and other partners.
He says that the whole world saw Iran for what it is, “a terrorist state that attacks Israel from a distance of 1,500 kilometers and tries to activate all its proxies.”
No drones, cruise missiles managed to reach Israel – reports
Hebrew media reports claim that not a single drone or cruise missile managed to infiltrate Israeli airspace.
According to the unsourced reports, most ballistic missiles were also knocked down outside of Israeli airspace.
A report in Ynet says some 20 cruise missiles were downed short of Israel’s borders. The US, UK and Jordan helped take down many of the drones.
Israeli official: Iran failed, now its turn to go sleepless
A senior Israeli source quoted by Channel 12 says “Iran’s attack was a strategic failure.”
“Now they can get ready and not sleep in peace,” the source adds threateningly.
US won’t back Israeli counterattack – reports
US President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not aid any Israeli counterattack on Iran, US media report, citing senior administration officials.
Axios and CNN report that message was passed during a phone call between the pair.
Axios reports that Biden told Netyanyahu the US will oppose any Israeli counterattack.
CNN reports that Biden said the US will not take part in any such counteraction.
Schools canceled as most begin Passover break anyway
The Homefront Command has nixed classes nationwide, but will allow workplaces to open as normal, and gatherings as large as 1,000 people for the vast majority of the country.
The rules, which remain in effect until 11 p.m. Monday, come into effect as most Israeli schoolkids are getting their first day of Passover break.
In the Gaza region and areas along the border with Lebanon gatherings are capped at 300 for indoor gatherings and 100 and 30 respectively for outdoor ones. Work is also restricted to places with access to a bomb shelter.
Iran attack took page out of Russia’s Ukraine playbook – expert
The Iranian strike on Israel today resembles Russian attacks on Ukraine, according to an analysis from the Institute for the Study of War.
“Russian strikes have attempted to determine the optimal package to penetrate Western air and missile defenses,” writes ISW. “Russia has experimented with combinations of ballistic and cruise missiles alongside Iranian drones in Ukraine.”
Iran also has tested US Navy air defenses through Houthi drone attacks, according to the study.
Iran fired over 300 projectiles in air attack – report
Iran launched some 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 cruise missiles at Israel, two Israeli officials tell The New York Times.
Though most were launched from Iran, some also came from Iraq and Yemen, according to the officials. US President Joe Biden says missiles came from Syria, as well as Yemen and Iraq.
Biden tells Netanyahu Israel proved itself to its foes with defensive showcase
US President Joe Biden says the US helped Israel take out almost all drones and missiles fired at it in a “unprecedented attack” against Israel, using defenses and planes moved to the region over the past week.
“Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden’s office says in a statement describing his call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden says he and other Western leaders will “coordinate a united diplomatic response” to Iran’s attack, indicating that a military response is not currently on the table.
The statement says the attack on Israel was only on military facilities.
Rocket hits Katzrin, no injuries
A rocket has impacted in Katzrin, the Golan’s lone city, causing light damage to a structure.
There are no injuries reported in the attack.
Report says Israeli response will be coordinated with allies
Israel will coordinate its response with its allies, The New York Times reports, citing an Israeli official speaking anonymously.
The comment comes after reports indicated US jitters that Israel could hit back at Iran in a rash manner and without consulting with it.
US telegraphs lack of trust in Israel to respond strategically
US President Joe Biden has said privately that he is worried that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to pull the US into a larger conflict, according to NBC News, citing “three people familiar with his comments.
Senior US officials are also worried Israel could act rashly in the wake of the Iranian attack without regard for the fallout, according to the report.
Citing a senior administration official and a senior defense official, the reports says that the White House concerns come from the way in which Israel has conducted its war in Gaza and the attack on senior Iranian general Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi in Damascus.
At the same time, the US does not believe that Israel is looking for a full-blown war with Iran, but they can’t be certain, according to the officials.
The administration official also voices frustration over the Damascus strike that led to the Iranian attack.
“I don’t think they had a strategy,” says the official. “The Israelis don’t always make the best strategic decisions.”
Security Council to hold emergency meet Sunday at Israel’s request
The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on Sunday after Israel requested the council condemn Iran’s attack on Israel and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.
The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. EST (11 p.m. Israel time), according to a schedule released late on Saturday.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, requested the council hold an emergency meeting in a letter on Saturday to the council’s president.
Sirens sound in Galilee community
Rocket sirens sound in Gonen, a small community in the seam between the eastern Galilee and the Golan Heights.
This is the third attack in just over an hour, after low-level fire on the north resumed around 4:45 a.m.
Iranians gather to cheer on attack against Israel, wait for gas
Demonstrators wave Iran's flag and Palestinian flags as they gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024. (Atta Kenare/AFP)
Iranians are taking to the streets to celebrate the attack on Israel, even as others wait in long lines for gas ahead of what is expected to be a harsh Israeli response to the barrage.
“Death to Israel!” and “Death to America!” demonstrators chant in Tehran’s Palestine Square, after gathering shortly after the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of Operation Honest Promise.
A mural saying “the next slap is fiercer” has been unveiled in the square where a huge banner has hung for days calling, in Hebrew, for Israelis to “take shelter.”
Demonstrators wave Iranian and Palestinian national flags alongside banners reading “God’s victory is near.”
A large crowd of demonstrators is also gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran.
Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP/Vahid Salemi)
Supporters of the retaliatory attack also demonstrate in Iran’s third largest city Isfahan, where Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, one of the generals killed in the Damascus strike, is buried.
Demonstrators also gather near the grave in the southern city of Kerman of prominent Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a 2020 US drone strike in Baghdad.
Anticipation of conflict with Israel had gripped Iran ever since the April 1 strike on its consulate.
In Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses saw long lines at gas stations early Sunday as people appeared worried about what may come next.
US wants advanced notice should Israel attack Iran – report
CNN reports that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has asked his counterpart Yoav Gallant to give Washington a heads up before Israel attacks Iran, should it go that route.
The request was made when the two spoke Saturday evening, CNN reports.
NYPD to beef up protection for city’s Jews
A demonstrator is detained by police officers during a pro-Palestinian protest, Friday, April. 12, 2024, in New York. (AP/Yuki Iwamura)
New York Mayor Eric Adams says he has directed police to deploy extra resources to guard “Jewish communities and houses of worship citywide.”
He says there is no imminent or direct threat to the city, describing the move as being taken out of an “abundance of caution.”
Adams also says his administration is in touch with Jewish community leaders, and expresses support for Israel.
Sirens sound in Golan’s Katzrin
Rocket sirens sound in Katzrin, the Golan’s largest city, and two nearby communities.
The rocket fire is from Lebanon, Channel 12 news reports.
Iran risking regional war, Germany warns
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemns Iranian airstrikes on Israel “in the strongest possible terms,” a spokesperson said, during a visit by Scholz to China.
“With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration,” government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit says after Scholz’s arrival in the Chinese city of Chongqing.
“Germany stands closely by Israel’s side,” Hebestreit adds. “We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies.”
Border guard injured in West Bank shooting attack
A reserves Border Police officer is being treated for light injuries after a terrorist opened fire on her and other officers operating in the West Bank, the Israel Police says.
The attack occurs near the Palestinian town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah.
Troops are searching the area, the police statement says.
Netanyahu speaking with Biden by phone
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls US President Joe Biden from IDF's Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 14, 2024. (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently on the phone with US President Joe Biden after wrapping up security cabinet and war cabinet meetings at the IDF’s Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, his office says.
Rocket sirens sound in Golan Heights
Rocket sirens sound in two Golan Heights communities, the Homefront Command says.
There is no other immediate information.
Army chief huddles with air force head, other brass
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is holding consultations with the head of the air force, the operations directorate and the head of Military Intelligence at the air force “pit,” or underground bunker, in the Kirya military headquarters, the Israel Defense Forces says in a statement.
“During the meeting, the group was presented with the defensive actions and the attack of the last few hours, and plans for the continuation,” the statement says.
IDF: ‘Vast majority’ of ballistic missiles downed, ‘a few impacts identified’ including at base
This video grab from AFPTV taken on April 14, 2024, shows explosions lighting up the sky over the West Bank city of Hebron, during an Iranian attack on Israel. (AFPTV/AFP)
The IDF in a statement says it intercepted “the vast majority” of the dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles that were fired at Israel.
The missiles were downed by the Arrow air defense system before they managed to enter Israeli airspace, according to the IDF.
“A few impacts were identified, among them at a military base in the south of the country, with minor damage to infrastructure,” the statement says.
Many dozens of drones and cruise missiles launched from Iran were also shot down by fighter jets, the military says.
“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 IDF adds.
The Home Front Command meanwhile says that Israelis no longer need to remain close to bomb shelters.
Home Front Command says Israelis no longer need to stay near protected rooms
The IDF’s Home Front Command says Israelis nationwide no longer need to stay near protected rooms, but that restrictions on gatherings and the cancellation of all educational activities and school trips remain in force as announced earlier.
Trump says Iran strike wouldn’t have happened if he was president: ‘You know that, they know that, everybody knows that’
Former US president Donald Trump takes time from his re-election rally in Pennsylvania to note Iran’s attack on Israel.
“They’re under attack right now, that’s because we [the US] show great weakness. That would not have happened if we were in office — you know that, they know that, everybody knows that.”
“America prays for Israel, we send our absolute support to everyone in harm’s way,” Trump says.
Report: Security cabinet empowers war cabinet to respond to Iran attack
Channel 12 reports that the security cabinet has authorized the war cabinet to make decisions regarding Israel’s response to the Iran attack.
This means that the war cabinet will not have to return to the security cabinet in order to get decisions approved, thereby streamlining the process when quick decisions are required.
Israeli envoy requests emergency convening of UN Security Council to condemn Iran attack
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan pens a letter to his Maltese counterpart, who currently heads the UN Security Council, requesting that the top body “convene a meeting of the Security Council immediately to unequivocally condemn Iran for these grave violations and immediately act to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.”
Saudi Arabia says it’s alarmed by regional developments, doesn’t condemn Iran for attack
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry issues a statement expressing its deep concern regarding regional developments in a statement that manages not to mention either Israel nor Iran — let alone condemn Tehran for its attack on Jerusalem.
It calls on all parties to exercise restraint.
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