Israel and Iran Clash in Unprecedented Attack, Biden Convenes Allies
JERUSALEM (AP) —
Israel and Iran, longstanding adversaries, engaged in an unprecedented military clash early Sunday that threatened to escalate tensions and push the Middle East closer to the brink of war. Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in a revenge mission after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building. President Joe Biden pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response and stated that U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” incoming drones and missiles.
Major Escalation by Iran
The attack by Iran marked the first direct military assault on Israel, marking a major escalation in the tensions between the two countries. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed the firing of scores of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles by Iran. Despite the interception of most of these projectiles outside Israel’s borders, a handful of missiles made it into Israeli territory, causing some damage but no significant injuries. Hagari emphasized that Israel will continue to protect its security and respond as required.
Defenses and Response
Israel’s military said its multilayered air-defense system, including the Arrow system, demonstrated its capabilities by handling most of the interceptions. Moreover, Israel received support from the U.S. military, which moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region to aid in intercepting the incoming drones and missiles. Biden affirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the extraordinary skills of their servicemembers in assisting Israel.
Global Condemnation and Widespread Consequences
The international community swiftly condemned Iran’s attack. France expressed concern about the potential for military escalation, while Britain called the attack reckless and Germany demanded an immediate halt to such actions. United Nations Chief called for restraint and for all parties to return to dialogue. Meanwhile, the escalation has triggered responses across the region. Hezbollah has started attacking Israel’s northern border, and Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles. Israel ordered residents in various regions to seek protective space, canceled school, and limited public gatherings. Airspaces have been closed in Israel and neighboring countries.
A Show of Force and Ominous Warnings
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for launching dozens of drones and missiles towards Israel. Additionally, Iran issued a direct warning to the United States, cautioning against any involvement to avoid the decisive and regretting response of Iran’s armed forces. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will respond to any harm directed towards it. U.S. military’s Central Command Head, Gen. Erik Kurilla, was in Israel over the weekend, and President Biden convened a National Security Council meeting to assess the situation.
Concerns and Intensifying Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified rapidly, with both sides engaged in sustained hostilities. Hezbollah in Lebanon has been targeting Israel’s northern border, while Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have joined the conflict. This attack comes after Israel’s six-month-long war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Iran’s deployment of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles poses a significant challenge to Israel’s air-defense system.
International Response and Warning from Iran
Leaders from around the world have expressed concerns over the situation. Iranian demonstrators showed support for the attack in Tehran, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations warned both Israel and the United States. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian officials had vowed revenge for a previous Syria strike, blaming Israel for the attack. In response, Israel has reinforced its defenses, and its leaders have emphasized its readiness to defend against any aggression.
Israel’s ongoing military actions have more than just political consequences. The conflict with Iran and Iran-backed groups has created unrest and tensions in the region. As a result, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan have reported Israeli airstrikes and missile defenses to intercept Iranian projectiles. Though both sides claim to be retaliating, the situation has the potential to further escalate, leading to a regionwide war.
