Historic Interception
In an unprecedented attack, Iran launched approximately 170 UAV (drones), 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles at the nation of Israel on April 13, 2024. So far, this was the largest single drone strike in the history of mankind. The Israeli Air Force, along with international allies, achieved an amazing 99% interception success rate.
Using a combination air, land and sea offense and defense systems they were able to neutralize many of the threats outside Israeli airspace. What made it through, was downed by Israel’s famous Iron Dome missile defense system in conjunction with an advanced GPS jamming technology to disable the GPS capabilities of Iranian drones and missiles, thwarting their ability to reach their targets accurately.
U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles successfully intercepted dozens of Iranian drones targeting Israel. Additionally, a Patriot battery stationed in Erbil, Iraq, took down a ballistic missile, while the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney in the Eastern Mediterranean intercepted between four and six ballistic missiles.
According to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, British fighter jets intercepted a number of Iranian drones. These drones were downed in Syrian and Iraqi airspace, where the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) was already deployed under Operation Shader against the Islamic State group.
300+ launches.
99% interception rate.
This is the breakdown of Iran’s attack last night: pic.twitter.com/aRPvxSutW2— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024
Ultimately, the attack had a minimal effect; only slight damage was reported at a southern military base, and a seven-year-old Israeli Bedouin girl was critically injured by a missile that penetrated the defense systems. Even without significant damage, the event highlighted Iran’s willingness to disregard the lives of fellow muslims in Israel, in the territories and the region’s neighbors. Videos circulated online of the Iron Dome intercepting Iranian missiles over the Al-Aqsa mosque while air raid sirens blast in the background. This stands in sharp contrast to Iranian propaganda, which consistently claims that Israel poses a constant threat to the mosque’s security and well-being.
And the truth shall set you free??
The Islamic republic of Iran never cared about the Arabs or Al Aqsa or Jerusalem…while the regime’s missiles target al Aqsa as you see in the video it is Israel that is intercepting them and keeping the Al Aqsa mosque safe.Keep this in mind… pic.twitter.com/8IoKEdsAuD
— ???? ???? – Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) April 13, 2024
Aligning Against a Common Foe or Just A Pursuit of Self-Interest?
In a surprising move, Jordan permitted Israeli and US planes to utilize its airspace and reportedly shot down drones that breached this airspace. Residents in Jordan reported significant aerial activity, and photos of a downed drone debris in the southern part of Amman, the capital of Jordan, appeared on social media.
Additionally, Gulf states like Saudi Arabia may have contributed indirectly by hosting Western air-defense systems and aircraft that provided surveillance and refueling capabilities essential for the operation.
Will Israel Go On The Offensive?
Shortly after learning about Iran’s attack on Saturday night, Israeli ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot, both former chiefs of the Israeli Defense Forces, reportedly advocated for an immediate counterstrike, according to three unnamed Israeli officials. They argued that delaying action would diminish the chances of gaining international support for a counterattack. Furthermore, they believed that a prompt response while Iranian drones were still en route could deter further attacks from Iran and potentially halt the ongoing conflict.
However, other members of the Israeli war cabinet, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, were hesitant to act immediately due to uncertainties about the extent of damage or casualties from the Iranian attack. One official noted that Netanyahu preferred to wait for a discussion with President Biden, suggesting a pause in decisions: “There were several options for a retaliation but the call stopped it. This train has left the station and now we can take a breath and think about it again.”
The US & G7 Response
The Biden administration has been cautioning Israel against retaliation.
U.S. officials believe any major Israeli military action on Iranian soil would trigger further missile and drone assaults by Iran, potentially leading to broader regional conflict.
The U.S. emphasized the risks involved, noting that defenses which successfully intercepted Iranian projectiles might not always be as effective. In discussions, President Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to carefully consider the consequences of escalation. The U.S. has stated it will not participate in an Israeli offensive and aims to prevent a wider conflict.
On ABC’s “This Week” program, John Kirby, the top national security spokesperson for the White House, stated on Sunday that the United States will continue its support to help Israel defend itself, though it is not seeking conflict with Iran. When questioned about U.S. support for potential Israeli retaliation against Iran, Kirby emphasized, “our commitment is ironclad” to defending Israel and to “helping Israel defend itself.”
Kirby reiterated, “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict.”
On the backdrop of this tension, the G7 countries have expressed solidarity with Israel and a commitment to its security, but urged de-escalation in the region.
Are There Further Attacks On The Horizon From Iran Or Its Proxies?
Iran has warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate against Tehran’s overnight drone and missile attacks, adding that the United States should not back an Israeli military action.
Amir Saeid Iravani from the Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, based in New York sent a statement on behalf of the Iranian regime in which it states “ Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute.”
Iran’s invocation of Article 51 of the UN Charter occurred following a 13-day period marked by the Security Council’s inaction and silence, coupled with its failure to condemn the Israeli regime’s aggressions. Certain countries’ precipitous condemnation of Iran’s exercise of its… pic.twitter.com/knuJrzS4ji
— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 14, 2024
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi reiterated the regime’s stance in a statement on Sunday, “If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response,”
Raisi’s statement follows a similar warning by Iranian military chief, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, who told state TV that a “much larger” response awaits Israel “if it retaliates against Iran”.
Bagheri said the Iranian attack on Israel “has achieved all its goals, and in our view the operation has ended, and we do not intend to continue”.
Earlier on Sunday, he warned the US that any backing of Israeli retaliation would result in its bases being targeted by Iran.
However, in a signal that Iran’s response was calculated in an attempt to avoid any major escalation, the Iranian foreign minister Amir Abdollahian said that Tehran had informed the US of the planned attack 72 hours in advance, and said that the strikes would be “limited” and for self-defence.
Israel says it will respond to Iran’s attack ‘when time is right’
Israel is concerned that its deterrence capabilities may have been compromised and many feel compelled to respond, but doing so may alienate the Arab and Western nations that assisted in its defense.
Israeli minister Benny Gantz who is a member of the Israeli War Cabinet said in a video address “Facing Iran, we will build a regional coalition and make Iran pay the price, in a manner and time that is correct for us.” He described the results as a “strategic achievement” that Israel must “leverage” for its national security.
Editor’s Note: We are closely monitoring this dynamic situation. Keep checking back with thej.ca for the latest developments.
