The response to the ongoing attack on Israel is underway. This is the first time that Iran has fired on Israel from its own territory proper, so that's a bad progression in the direction of more direct involvement.
U.S. forces in the area have reportedly shot down "dozens" of drones targeting Israel. They've also reportedly taken out missiles, as well.
US shoots down Dozens of Iranian Drones & … pic.twitter.com/2dwlOTHMmk
— cagrown5 (@cagrown5) April 14, 2024
The U.S. was also coordinating with Jordan and Egypt. Jordan reportedly also took out ones crossing their airspace. Fox's Jennifer Griffin suggested the first wave might be winding down, but more engagement may happen in the coming hours.
Israel says most launches were taken out outside of Israel.
Israel has successful intercepted the majority of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran towards Israel territory late Saturday and early Sunday, the IDF said.
The IDF said its Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the "Arrow" Aerial Defense System, together with Israel's strategic allies, before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.
“A small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure,” the IDF said.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said the response had been great, intercepting 99 percent, with lots of help from other countries.
Catching up now after Shabbat. Obviously missed a lot. Here are my quick takeaways:
— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) April 14, 2024
1) Iran’s attack against Israel — 200+ drones, cruise and ballistic missiles — more aggressive and pervasive than expected.
2) Israel’s response so far has been magnificent — intercepting 99% of…
2) Israel’s response so far has been magnificent — intercepting 99% of the incoming.
3) Lots of help provided by USA, UK, France and even Jordan. We are grateful.
4) Iran literally attacked the Al Aqsa Mosque. Had Israel not intercepted the missile, 3rd holiest site in Islam destroyed.
5) This is the time for Israel, the West and the moderate Sunni nations to unite against this evil, terrorist nation.
He also pointed out something important. Iran attacked the Al-Aqsa Mosque by attacking the Temple Mount. Had Israel not intercepted the missile, Iran could have destroyed the third holiest site in Islam.
Watch Israel defending the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque from Iranian missile and drones! For the murderous Ayatollah regime, murdering Israelis is more important than safeguarding Islamic holy sites. The UN must clearly and unambiguously condemn the Iranian attack on Israel… pic.twitter.com/ajeg7Fy2Ds
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) April 14, 2024
That just shows Iran has no shame and doesn't care about that or any of the other holy sites--otherwise they never would have done it.
Israel has called on the UN Security Council to condemn the attack.
This evening, I sent an urgent letter to the president of the Security Council, @_VanessaFrazier. I called on the Council to hold an emergency meeting and demanded that they condemn Iran’s attack on Israel and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terror… pic.twitter.com/3AS6RvuV3M
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) April 14, 2024
I'm not sure I would bet on that, considering how anti-Israel they tend to be as a group.
As my colleague Bob Hoge wrote, you had Iranians and Palestinians celebrating the attack in the streets, including around Al-Aqsa, but do they know about this? And do they really care?
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