Iran launches drone assault on Israel with hundreds of UAVs

Iran launches an aerial assault on Israel in response for the attack on its consulate in Syria, with hundreds of kamikaze drones and reportedly cruise missiles

Iran launched hundreds of drones on Israel late Saturday, initiating a long-awaited attack in response to Israel targeting its consulate in Syria.

Iranian state news agency IRNA also quotes an informed source that confirmed the firing of the first batch of ballistic missiles toward Israel.

The Iran-backed hacker group Handala announced targeting Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, indicating Iran’s intent to enhance the attack’s destructiveness by aiming at the Iron Dome during the drone assault.

The Israeli military stated that they are engaging with Iranian drones but cannot guarantee 100% prevention of the attacks.

First direct attack from Iran

Israeli-based Channel 12 emphasized that this attack marks Iran’s first direct targeting of Israel without using proxy actors. Previously, Iran had targeted Israel and the U.S. using militia forces in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria.

This assault signifies Iran’s first direct targeting of Israel since the Islamic Revolution.

An estimated 400 to 500 drones and missiles launched from Iran to Israel, a senior U.S. official tells ABC News while Iranian media reports claim that “the main phase of the attack will begin” once the drones get closer to Israel.

Israeli media claimed that Iran’s main attack would begin after 2:00 a.m.

Countries closed airspace

Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon closed their airspaces following the announcement of the attacks.

Iraq and Lebanon also declared a state of emergency.

Egypt and Syria announced that they put their security forces on high alert.

Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airlines diverted their flights departed for Iran.

Netherlands and France said they strongly condemn the Iranian attacks against Israel.

Israeli war cabinet meets

The war cabinet in Israel convened after Iran initiated a drone attack.

Led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the war cabinet gathered in Tel Aviv to discuss the drone attack launched from Iran.

While no official statement has been made regarding the matter, a photo shared of the meeting showed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, war cabinet member Benny Gantz, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi in attendance.

Hezbollah launches attacks

The Israeli military reported detecting the launch of three missiles and two drones laden with explosives from Lebanon toward northern Israel.

“The army, following alerts in the Hanita settlement near the northern border, observed the launch of three rockets crossing into Israel from Lebanon, where they landed in uninhabited regions,” as stated in a military announcement.

Simultaneously, the military stated that airstrikes were conducted on Hezbollah targets “in four separate locations in southern Lebanon.”

In response, Hezbollah stated that it had aimed missiles and artillery at an Israeli military gathering in the Hanita Forest.

United States announces full support for Israel

In a written statement from the White House, it was noted that President Biden, who cut short his weekend vacation to return to Washington, met with his national security team.

In the Situation Room, Biden met with figures such as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown, CIA Director Bill Burns, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan regarding Iran’s attack on Israel. Biden will be closely monitoring the developments but will not address the nation.

The statement issued from the White House regarding the attacks stated, “In addition to Israeli officials, we are also in communication with other partners and allies. The United States is ready to stand by the Israeli people and provide them with full support.”