Air Raid Sirens and Missiles Across Israeli Territory
Air raid sirens blared and loud explosions were heard across Israel on Saturday evening as Iran launched over 200 missiles and drones towards Israeli territory, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel Defense Forces on High Alert
The Israel Defense Forces reported that the majority of the incoming drones were intercepted, but an unspecified number managed to breach Israeli airspace. Alerts sounded across various regions, including southern Israel, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea.
International Response and Standby
U.S. forces in the region also engaged Iranian-launched drones, with President Biden closely monitoring the situation alongside Israeli officials. The U.S. remains prepared for further action by Iran and its proxies in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet, affirming Israel’s readiness for any scenario. The Israeli government is urged to assess the impact of the attack before responding, with the U.S. advocating for a measured approach.
Global Condemnation and Escalating Tensions
The European Union, the U.K., and the U.S. strongly condemned Iran’s attack, warning of severe consequences. Tensions further escalated as Iran seized an Israeli-affiliated vessel and the region remained on high alert amid ongoing military actions.
Heightened Security Measures and International Concern
All U.S. embassies in the Middle East were placed on high alert as Lebanon and Jordan also took precautionary measures. The U.S. government called for the immediate release of the seized vessel, emphasizing the need to hold Iran accountable for its actions.