Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari announced that Israel's defensive coalition effectively prevented an attack from Iran overnight. Approximately 350 rockets, carrying about 60 tonnes of explosives, were fired from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
Hagari emphasized that the threat extended beyond Israel to the entire Middle East, citing the seizure of a Portuguese-flagged ship by Iranian forces. He stated, 'Iran wants to escalate the region. Up until now, it worked through its proxies, but now it revealed its real face.'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed concerns about Iran's global impact, highlighting how Iran's drones, provided to proxies like the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have caused harm worldwide. Herzog emphasized the need for international action against Iran.
US forces intercepted over 70 one-way attack drones and at least 3 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. The ballistic missiles were thwarted by US warships in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with US Navy destroyers capable of intercepting missile and drone launches. Additionally, US fighter jets were deployed to shoot down drones launched towards Israel.
The coordinated response from Israel and the US underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the growing threat posed by Iran's aggressive actions through its proxies. The situation remains fluid as both countries remain vigilant against further attacks.
