(ConservativeSense.com) – Iran launched over 100 drones at Israel on the evening of April 13, with most shot down by US and UK forces. The Jewish state’s Iron Dome defense system was also active, intercepting missiles coming directly from Iran. Images and clips posted to social media show projectiles neutralized in the skies during what was Iran’s first direct assault on Israeli targets. Experts warn the incident could exacerbate Middle East tensions and spread conflict through the region.
US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson issued a statement saying President Biden was in constant communication with Israel and confirmed American support was “ironclad.”
On Monday, April 15, Israel’s war cabinet met to discuss its response, while the US and UK urged restraint and asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resist retaliation. From the Nevatim Airbase, however, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) told reporters that his country intends to reply. He did not explain what this response would be, prompting further pleas for calm from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The attack, launched in retribution for Israel’s strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed senior military figures, caused minimal damage and no fatalities.
Iran has issued further dire warnings to the Jewish state and said it will use a weapon it has never used before if Israel strikes back. Abofazl Amouei of Iran’s National Security Committee encouraged Israeli leaders to “act wisely.”
Global authorities reacted to the unprecedented attack, with some calling it a “failure” unworthy of conflict escalation. The UK’s Foreign Minister David Cameron said while Iran’s attempt to harm Israel had failed, it had shown its “malign” nature. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not criticize Iran but said escalation was in nobody’s interests. The United Nations called for restraint from all sides.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed President Biden’s comments and reaffirmed America’s commitment to the Jewish state. “Israel is not alone,” he said.
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