Iran's attack on Israel

Actual information

Israeli air defenses have intercepted 99% of Iranian drones and missiles, according to official statements. Ronen Zvulun / Reuters

• U.S. forces destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic rockets during an attack on Israel by Iran and Yemen
• Israel’s military cabinet, in an hours-long meeting to discuss a response to the Israeli attack, did not decide on a response, a source told CNN. The Ynet portal reported that a possible response that would not escalate was discussed, with “damage to Iranian nuclear facilities” among the options.
• Iran’s drone and missile strikes on Israeli territory were a declaration of war, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog said.
• Tehran threatened Washington with attacks on U.S. military bases in case of any support for Israeli retaliatory strikes.
• Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after an overnight attack on the country, which backed Iran’s strikes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

What led to Iran’s attack?

Regional IDF Battle Map April 13, 2024

First of all, Iran and Israel have a history of long lasting conflicts, targeting each other’s interests across various spheres: land, sea, air and cyberspace.

Tensions reached a new height on April 1 when warplanes reportedly targeted a building in Damascus linked to the Iranian Embassy complex. This caused deaths of at least three senior commanders and four officers overseeing Iran’s clandestine operations in the Middle East, according to Iranian and Syrian sources.

As a result, Tehran’s attack was a response to this situation. The Israeli government was preparing for an imminent Iranian attack: the IDF mobilized reservists, including air and missile defense system operators, canceled military leave, and began jamming GPS signals in the central parts of the country (previously, only the north and south of the country had experienced disruptions). IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the country’s armed forces were put on high alert and ready for any development. In addition, Israel suspended the work of its diplomatic missions in 28 countries.

It was reported that there were several dozen drones. Then The Times of Israel wrote about a second wave of UAV attacks, followed by a third. Also, Iran’s news agency reported that Tehran launched ballistic missiles at targets deep inside Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had detected such launches. According to the New York Times, Iran has engaged 185 drones, 36 rockets and 110 surface-to-surface missiles.