Tensions in the Middle East escalated overnight after Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel.
Israel confirmed that a few of the attacks penetrated its defenses but 99% of missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and its allies.
Iran’s attack represented the first time that the country had launched an attack against Israel from its own territory.
As yet Israel has not decided if it will respond to the Iranian strikes that included hitting an IDF base in southern Israel and injuring a child.
The United States (US), United Kingdom and France all assisted Israel in intercepting the barrage of drones and missiles fired by Iran.
In a statement by US President Joe Biden, reaffirmed his “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel” and said that the interception of drones and missiles “sent a clear message” that Iran cannot threaten the security of Israel.
🔴 Watch: Israeli defense systems intercept Iranian missiles over the Temple Mount pic.twitter.com/oEebzijEGI
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) April 13, 2024
On April 14, 2024, member countries of the G7 will meet where the respective leaders will coordinate a diplomatic response to the Iranian attack.
In a social media post following the assault Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote: “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.”
Iran said its attack was justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter provision for self-defense and promised if Israel retaliated its response would be “”much larger”.
Iran’s attack came after the Iranian Embassy in Damaskas, Syria, was destroyed on April 1, 2024, by an Israeli strike that killed an Iranian military commander.
Watch the F-35I Adir fighter jets return to Nevatim Airbase after successfully protecting Israel’s airspace: pic.twitter.com/ap5gPLphPD
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024
Although airspace in the region has now reopened it was temporarily closed above Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq with airlines including EGYPTAIR and Royal Jordanian all advising customers of disruptions.
The Israeli flag-carrier El Al cancelled around 15 flights to Europe, Dubai and Moscow on April 14, 2024.
“El Al will continue to operate as much as possible to preserve the air bridge to and from Israel,” the airlines said in a statement.