Israel has described Iran’s unprecedented 350-missile attack as a ‘declaration of war’ and confirmed it has approved plans for ‘offensive and defensive action’.
The country’s president Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel did not want a war but suggested they would retaliate after Iran’s audacious airstrike early on Sunday.
He said it was ‘about time the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran’ and makes it clear that its behaviour is ‘unacceptable’.
President Herzog told Sky News: ‘It’s a declaration of war… we are considering all options and I’m quite confident we will take the necessary steps to protect and defend our people.’
Tehran had signalled that an attack was coming in retaliation for an airstrike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, that killed two top Iranian generals earlier this month.
IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari accused Iran of trying to ‘ignite the Middle East and escalate the region’ by firing 60 tonnes of suicide drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and rockets at Israel overnight – but insisted his army was on ‘high alert’.
‘Over the last two hours, we approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive action,’ he told reporters on Sunday. ‘We will continue to protect the State of Israel, and together with our partners, we will continue to build a more secure and stable future for the entire Middle East.’
The IDF spokesman said Iran’s plan had ‘failed’ – as he praised the response from the ‘regional alliance’ which helped down ’99 per cent’ of the missiles fired. He did not elaborate on the approved plans, but it came after a meeting of Israel’s war cabinet.
Leaders of the G7 – including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – also held talks on Sunday in which they ‘unequivocally’ condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and warned that the risk of an ‘uncontrollable regional escalation’ must be avoided.
At a press conference on Sunday evening, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (pictured) said Iran’s plan had ‘failed’
A G7 meeting took place this afternoon as leaders condemned Iran’s air attack on Israel ‘in the strongest terms’
Drones or missiles vying for targets at undisclosed locations in northern Israel on April 14
Parts of a missile launched by Iran are found in Amman, Jordan, on April 14
After Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, near Arad, this is the remains of a rocket booster which reportedly injured a seven-year-old child
Israeli President Isaac Herzog insisted that Israel did not want a war but suggested his country would retaliate
Despite the strong G7 message, President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not support any counter-attack
In a joint statement following an urgent call, countries including the UK and US said they ‘stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives’.
Despite the strong message, President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not support any counter-attack.
A senior White House official told Axios that Biden told Netanyahu: ‘You got a win. Take the win’. And White House national security spokesman John Kirby told NBC: ‘We don’t seek a war with Iran. We’re not looking for escalation here,’
The G7 statement released shortly after the talks on Sunday afternoon said: ‘We, the leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel.
‘Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.
‘With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilisation of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.’
Leaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US, demanded Iran and its proxies ‘cease their attacks,’ adding: ‘We stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives.’
The statement continued: ‘We will also strengthen our co-operation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.’
Netanyahu’s war cabinet favours a retaliation against Iran for its mass drone and missile attack but is divided over the timing and scale of any such response, according to Reuters.
The five-member cabinet, in which Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz have decision-making powers, was expected to convene again for further discussions after meeting on Sunday.
Hagari also told reporters on Sunday: ‘Together we thwarted Iran’s attack… This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.’
‘Iran launched over 350 threats, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, rockets and suicide drones towards Israel and also other countries in the region could have got that threat on the way.’
Speaking to Sky News, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: ‘There is an empire of evil in Tehran which has its proxies laid all over the region and terror cells all over the world, and it’s about time that the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran and makes it clear to the Iranian regime that this cannot pass by.
‘Everyone should look at this and ask ‘what would we do, had we been attacked in such an aggressive way?’
He also said: ‘Israel has undertaken all the necessary steps to block this attack, which was a violent, flagrant violation of all the rules.
‘I am happy we are part of an incredible coalition of nations which has been part of preventing most of these missiles and weapons and drones from coming into Israel. Our air defence system has proven incredibly successful.
‘We are here to protect Europe. Thank god for the Israeli military and its allies and also thanks to the British forces.’
Asked about the global warnings not to escalate, he said: ‘The last thing Israel is seeking in this region is to go to war. We are seeking peace, we are peace-seekers.
‘Unfortunately it all started on the October 7 when Hamas led an unbelievably brutal massacre against Israeli citizens and the rest is history. We always listen to our partners and our allies, we respect their view.’
Prime Minster Rishi Sunak has confirmed RAF pilots shot down ‘a number’ of Iranian attack drones while intercepting the attack of Israel
This map shows sites around Israel which the IDF has issued protective warnings to residents
People drive along a street in Jerusalem on Sunday after Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel
People cross a street in Jerusalem on Sunday after the Israeli army said Iran’s attack was ‘foiled’
People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Sheet in the Baablbek district in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley on April 14, 2024
The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has declared that the Middle East is ‘on the brink’ and that those living in the region are facing ‘a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict’.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the emergency meeting, which was called after Iran’s attack: ‘Regional – and indeed global – peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,’ he said.
Guterres said that acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under international law after Iran’s attack on Israel, while the US warned the Security Council it would work to hold Tehran accountable at the UN.
Iran’s delegate said that insisted that the attack was ‘in response to the Israeli regime’s military aggression’, highlighting the April 1 attack which he said was on his country’s embassy in Damascus, killing seven IRGC officers.
He said Iran’s armed forces launched last night’s attacks in ‘self defence’ and that they were ‘Necessary and proportionate, it was precise and only targeted military objectives.’
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, requested the council hold the meeting in a letter on Saturday to the council’s president. He held up a video of missiles raining down over Jerusalem during his speech to the council.
Erdan said: ‘This attack crossed every red line and Israel reserves the right to retaliate.
‘We are not a frog in boiling water, we are a nation of lions. Following such a massive and direct attack on Israel, the entire world, let alone Israel, cannot settle for inaction. We will defend our future.’
It comes after footage was released of the moment Iran began its attack, as the world holds its breath over fears of World War III.
Footage released by Iranian state TV shows huge clouds of smoke and blinding flashes as hundreds of missiles were fired in retaliation to a drone strike at the beginning of April in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals.
The strike marks the first time a direct military assault has been launched by Tehran on Israel despite decades enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Syria has said Iran exercised their ‘right to self-defence’ in the attack on Israel.
Warplanes based in Iraq and Syria had been deployed to intercept airborne strikes after Tehran announced it had launched an assault on Saturday.
Mr Sunak earlier confirmed RAF pilots shot down ‘a number’ of Iranian drones while intercepting the strike on Israel.
He called for ‘calm heads to prevail’ and said he wanted to ‘pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians’.
Speaking to journalists in Downing Street, Mr Sunak said if Iran’s attack on Israel been successful ‘the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate’.
And according to the New York Times, Mr Biden dissuaded Israel from giving the go-ahead on an immediate retaliation attack against Iran.
Israeli war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz released a statement to say that Israel must strengthen ‘strategic alliance and regional cooperation’ which allowed it to withstand the attack.
He said: ‘Iran is a global problem, it is a regional challenge and it is also a danger to Israel, and yesterday, the world clearly stood together with Israel in the face of the danger.
‘Israel against Iran, the world against Iran…this is the result. This is a strategic achievement, which we must leverage for Israel’s security.’
Seemingly indicating he doesn’t support immediate retaliation, he continued: ‘Faced with the threat of Iran, we will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran, in the way and at the time that suits us,’ The Times of Israel reported.
John Kirby said the U.S. has communicated to Iran ‘what we would do’ if American troops or facilities are targeted amid rising conflict in the Middle East.
Smoke billows over the area of an Israeli air strike on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila near the border with Israel on April 14, 2024
A bus, motorcycles, and other vehicles move across a pedestrian intersection along a street in Tehran Sunday following the attack on Israel
People relax at a beach in Tel Aviv, after Iran’s drone and missile attack on Israel overnight
Hundreds of cruise missiles and UAVs sent by Iran overnight were mostly intercepted and destroyed by Israel’s Defence System. Pictured are beachgoers in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday
President Joe Biden’s National Security Council (NSC) Spokesman reiterated that the U.S. does not plan to get involved with counter attacks against Iran on behalf of ally Israel – but will continue to help defend the Jewish nation.
Amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas terrorists in Gaza, some Republican lawmakers are not pleased with the Biden administration response so far with the escalating conflict and want a direct response to the attacks from Iran and its proxies.
‘The president has made it clear: We do not seek a war with Iran. We don’t seek a wider war in the region,’ Kirby told NBC host Kristen Welker Sunday morning.
It has been announced that the EU foreign ministers will meet on Tuesday after Iran’s attack on Israel after the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for it to try and de-escalate the situation.
It comes after Israel levelled a building in east Lebanon and vowed a response to Iran’s 300-missile attack – as the Middle East holds its breath amid fears of World War III.
A source within Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group said Israel struck one of its buildings close to the Syrian border on Sunday, as tensions soared after Iran directly attacked Israel.
The source told news agency AFP: ‘The Israeli strike targeted an area… near Baalbek and targeted a two-storey building belonging to Hezbollah,’ adding that there were no casualties reported.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency also reported that ‘an enemy air strike targeted a building’ in the village of Nabi Sheet and ‘destroyed it’.
The IDF later confirmed the strike on the ‘significant weapons manufacturing site’ in the Nabi Sheet area.
Reports in Israel suggested RAF and US warplanes had shot down some Israel-bound Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area amid the attack. But Victoria Atkins said earlier she is ‘not in a position to confirm or deny’ whether British jets have already shot down Iranian drones.
However, Mr Sunak has now confirmed RAF pilots shot down ‘a number’ of Iranian attack drones. He added that ‘the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate’ had Iran’s attack on Israel been successful’.
He said of Iran’s attack on Israel: ‘This was a dangerous and unnecessary attack.
‘It’s clear that Iran is determined to sew discord’ in the region ‘in their own back yard’, he added.
The Prime Minister said he had chaired a Cobra meeting with Cabinet ministers on Friday to ‘agree a plan of action’ regarding the attack.
It also came as the latest attempt to reach a ceasefire in the war in Gaza appeared to falter, with Israel accusing Hamas of rejecting a truce proposal.
A source within Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group said Israel struck a building in the village of Nabi Sheet in the Baablbek district in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley on Sunday
A destroyed building targeted by Israeli air strikes on the village of Nabi Sheet in Baablbek
On Saturday night, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were said to have been fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen in what is said to be an attempt to ‘overwhelm’ defences with various weapons from different directions. Israeli sources said seven of 131 ballistic missiles got through.
Most seemed to have hit the Nevatim airbase in a symbolic strike – as the airbase is where the Israeli F-35s took off to hit the Damascus consulate – although Israel says the airbase only sustained minor infrastructure damage and remains operational.
Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the UK, France and Germany to question what it slammed as a ‘irresponsible stance’ regarding the strikes on Israel. It follows reports of a number of nations helping to intercept the swarm of missiles Iran fired last night.
A seven-year-old girl from a Bedouin town near Arad was injured by falling shrapnel at around 2am and is in serious condition ‘fighting for her life’ at Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, The Times of Israel reported.
The medical centre confirmed she is now in the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit receiving treatment for a major head wound.
Hamas has also gloated about the devastating attack on Israel by Iran which led to a seven-year-old girl being seriously injured – calling it a ‘deserved response’.
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defence system deployed near Jerusalem which reportedly helped intercept 99 per cent of the missiles launched
An Israeli F35 fighter jet takes off from an undisclosed location in central Israel, 14 April 2024
This morning, Hamas said in a statement: ‘We in Hamas regard the military operation conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran a natural right and a deserved response on the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the assassination of several leaders of the Revolutionary Guards,’ The Times of Israel reports.
Iran has warned Israel of a larger attack if it retaliates against the overnight drone and missile assault – adding that it has warned the US not to back Israeli military action. It said any ‘reckless’ Israeli move will prompt ‘stronger response’.
‘The matter can be deemed concluded,’ Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a post on social media platform X just a few hours after the start of the operation late Saturday.
‘However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,’ the Iranian mission warned.
NATO has joined calls for ‘restraint’ – as it condemned the Iran attack as an ‘escalation’.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Iran has taken the Middle East to the ‘edge of a precipice’ with its overnight attack on Israel.
She said Tehran had ‘plunged an entire region into chaos’ and asked all sides to show restraint, adding that the spiralling tensions needed to end.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Iran has taken the Middle East to the ‘edge of a precipice’ with its overnight attack on Israel
Head of the Israeli military, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi (L), attending a meeting at the Israeli Air Force Operations Center in Kirya in Tel Aviv with the commanding officers of the Israeli Air Force, the operations directorate and the intelligence directorate
The remains of a rocket booster that, according to Israel, critically injured a seven-year-old girl
Residents transfer the remains of a rocket booster that reportedly injured a seven-year-old girl
Pope Francis made a ‘pressing appeal’ against the ‘spiral of violence’
Italy’s Prime Minister posted on X to condemn the Iranian strike against Israel
The attack which began late Saturday marks a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes, and comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions as sirens sounded in many places and with blasts heard in the skies above Jerusalem early Sunday.
Iran had repeatedly threatened to retaliate against Israel for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular building, and Washington had warned in recent days that the reprisals were imminent.
Late on Saturday, the Israeli army said Iran had launched a ‘massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles’. The IDF has since said 350 were launched.
The army said it had scrambled dozens of fighter jets to intercept ‘all aerial threats’, and was working with the US and other allies to stop the launches.
People in Jerusalem sought cover, while some residents stockpiled water.
‘As you can see it’s empty, everybody is running home,’ said Eliyahu Barakat, a 49-year-old grocery shop owner in Jerusalem’s Mamilla neighbourhood.
Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli army said that 99 percent of the launches had been intercepted.
None of the drones and cruise missiles that were launched towards Israel had entered its territory, Hagari said, and ‘only a few’ ballistic missiles reached Israel.
‘The Iranian attack was foiled,’ Hagari said in a televised statement.
US President Joe Biden reiterated Washington’s ‘ironclad’ support for Israel after an urgent meeting with his top security officials on the spiralling crisis.
Pope Francis made a ‘pressing appeal’ against a ‘spiral of violence’ after Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel, warning of a potential regional conflagration.
‘I make an urgent appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict,’ he declared following his traditional Sunday prayer in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
Israeli warships patrol off the coast of the Israeli coastal city of Netanya
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (2nd R) attends the Israel’s war cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not seen), held to discuss the drone attack
United States President Joe Biden meets with members of the National Security Council regarding the unfolding missile attacks on Israel
An Iranian man is holding a scale model of a cannon shell during a celebration in support of Iran’s attack against Israel on Saturday
Iran launched more missiles and drones toward Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Israeli military said Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel.
Israel’s airspace reopened on Sunday at 7:30 am (0430 GMT) after it was closed following Iran’s attack on Israel, the Israeli airports authority said in a statement.
‘As of 07:30 in the morning, Israel’s airspace is reopening and Ben Gurion Airport is returning to operations’, the statement said, adding that domestic airports would reopen throughout the day.
The airspace had been closed since 12:30 am (2130 GMT on Saturday).
Rocket trails in the sky above the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem
Empty beaches in the Israeli coastal city of Netanya, on April 14, 2024
Pictures posted by the IDF show Israeli pilots returning to base after intercepting missiles
The Israeli military said that Iran’s attack using hundreds of drones and missiles had been ‘foiled’, with 99 percent of them intercepted overnight. Pictured are pilots returning to base
Early Sunday, the Israeli army said that 99 percent of the launches had been intercepted
Pilots are seen returning to base after intercepting the missiles and drones on Saturday
A view shows an ‘Adir’ fighter jet at a location given as the Nevatim Airbase, in Israel
One of them ‘lightly hit the Nevatim base’, he added, noting that the military compound was ‘still functioning’.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement: ‘Together with the United States and additional partners, we managed to defend the territory of the State of Israel.’
‘The campaign is not over yet – we must remain alert’, Gallant added.
The Iranian army has said its attack ‘achieved all its objectives’.
Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces’ chief of staff, told state TV: ‘Operation Honest Promise was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives.’
Iran has said it had attacked Israel in ‘self-defence’ following the April 1 strike on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, which was widely blamed on Israel.
The Damascus strike levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.
Bagheri said the retaliatory attack targeted an ‘intelligence centre’ and the air base from which Tehran says the Israeli F-35 jets took off to strike the Damascus consulate.
‘Both these centres were significantly destroyed and put out of order,’ he said, though Israel maintains that the attack only resulted in minor damage.
‘We see this operation as complete, and this operation has ended in our opinion,’ Bagheri said.
‘There is no intention to continue this operation,’ he said, calling on Israel to avoid taking further action against Iran which according to Bagheri would result in a ‘much bigger’ response.
The army chief also warned the United States against aiding any Israeli action against Iran.
Reports in Israel suggested RAF and US warplanes had shot down some Israel-bound Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area amid the attack. But Victoria Atkins has said she is ‘not in a position to confirm or deny’ whether British jets have already shot down Iranian drones
Crews work on an Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle in a hangar, said to be following an interception mission of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel
Israel’s chief military spokesman delivered a televised address to the nation after Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel came to an end
‘We sent a message to America through the Swiss embassy that if it cooperates with Israel in their next potential actions, their bases will not be secure,’ he added.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief, Hossein Salami, hailed what he called ‘a limited operation’ that targeted Israeli ‘capabilities that were used to attack our embassy’.
Salami added it was ‘more successful than expected’.
He reiterated warnings of a ‘counterattack’ if Israel targeted Iranian interests or individuals.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media on Saturday: ‘The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime’s crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.’
Missiles which began to enter Israeli airspace were seen in video shared with MailOnline, showing them being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem, forcing citizens to run to shelters across the city.
Iran claimed to have dealt ‘heavy blows’ to an airbase in Negev, though the IDF said only minor damage was caused. The IDF added that the vast majority of the missiles and drones were shot down, with one small girl being injured by falling shrapnel.
Iranian media reported that while Tehran’s barrage of ballistic missiles has concluded, the drones and cruise missiles are yet to enter Israeli airspace. Iran has vowed to take further ‘defensive measures’ if Israel chooses to respond to the salvo.
Yemen-based Houthis have also claimed to have shot ‘dozens’ of rockets towards an IDF base in the north-east of Israel. it is not currently known if the Houthi attacks are linked to Iran’s salvo.
The UK, among Israel’s closest allies, and other nations supported Israel by sending fighter jets to shoot down the drones and missiles. US officials added that their military also intercepted drones and missiles heading to Israel.
On Sunday, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey condemned the Iranian attack but backed calls to avoid further conflict.
He said it is a ‘dangerous escalation’ in a conflict which has caused ‘far too much death and suffering’ and called for an end to the ‘horrifying cycle of violence’.
Victoria Atkins said the ‘circle of knowledge’ on the conflict in the Middle East has to be ‘very, very tight’, when asked whether the Cabinet was consulted before RAF planes were deployed to protect Israel.
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, the Health Secretary said: ‘Of course there are relevant Cabinet ministers in that (Cobra) meeting.
‘You will appreciate the circle of knowledge on this has to be very, very tight because of the sensitivities and the danger that is involved for everyone in the region.’
Asked whether the Government would proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, she said: ‘We keep all of these issues under constant review.’
Ms Atkins said she is ‘not in a position to confirm or deny’ whether British jets have already shot down Iranian drones.
Labour has backed the UK Government action taken overnight to help protect Israel.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: ‘Let’s be clear, we support the existing Government missions in the Middle East and continue to do so.
‘That is important. We also think that it is important that action was taken overnight to prevent the Iranian strikes on Israel because we should be clear that if action hadn’t been taken to prevent those strikes, we would have seen further escalation and further risk of widening conflict.’
Missiles which began to enter Israeli airspace were seen in video shared with MailOnline
Iran has said it had attacked Israel in ‘self-defence’ following the April 1 strike on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, which was widely blamed on Israel. Pictured are missiles
The Times of Israel reported that Israel’s chief military spokesperson said France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.
The news outlet added that Hagari said France was ‘contributing in patrolling airspace’ but he didn’t know if their jets had shot down any of the missiles.
Israeli officials said that the United States, Britain, and Jordan also all helped intercept the massive barrage of drones Iran fired at Israel overnight, according to The Times of Israel.
Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, had readied air defences and said it intercepted flying objects that entered its airspace. It added that some shrapnel fell in ‘multiple places’ but didn’t cause significant damage or injures to citizens.
Iran warned Israel of a larger attack if it retaliates against the overnight drone and missile assault – adding that it has warned the US not to back Israeli military action.
The armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri told state TV their response will be ‘much larger than tonight’s military action if Israel retaliates’, The Times of Israel reports.
President Isaac Herzog wrote on X to express his gratitude to the military and to Israel’s allies.
He posted: ‘Bless you dear soldiers and commanders of the IDF and IAF. Bless the coalition of nations led by the US and @POTUS.
‘Bless my sisters and brothers, the people of Israel, for their exceptional show of resilience. Together, the forces of good will overcome the forces of evil.’
Around a hundred drones and missiles were fired at Israel
People wave Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israel rally after Iran launched drone attacks against Israel at Palestine Square in Tehran, Iran
One video shared with MailOnline showed the Iron Dome intercepting a missile
Iranians were seen celebrating as news of the attack broke
Iranians celebrate on a street, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran
Israel’s cabinet is currently meeting to discuss how to deal with the attack from Iran
Hagari said that the Iranian attack was ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ in tensions, adding: ‘Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.’
The IDF said: ‘The air defence array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country’s skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.
‘We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.’
Israel’s allies sent in military assets in to help Israel.
US Congressional sources said the amphibious war ship Bataan is leading a US naval task force in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bataan has two support ships and together they have about 2,500 Marines onboard. The US also has several guided missile destroyers including the Carney in the area.
US bases in Iraq were placed on full alert and attempted to shoot down missiles and drones aimed at Israel. In addition, the US has two destroyers and a Cruiser in the Red Sea that are fully armed with anti-missile weapons and they too were under orders to shoot down any Israeli bound missiles or drones.
But Iran has threatened the US if it gets involved in the spat, claiming that it is a conflict between Iran and Israel alone.
Iran’s mission to the UN wrote on X: ‘Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus.
‘The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!’
Iran’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, said in statement to local media: ‘Iran, if necessary, will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions and unlawful use of force while reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.’
Israel is expected to launch a counterattack against Iran. Former IDF captain Caroline Glick told MailOnline: ‘[Iran’s] overthrow is the key to the restoration of regional stability. Just last week, when a regime authority called for a moment of silence in memory of the Iranian terror masters Israel killed in Damascus two weeks ago, the crowd instead began calling for the overthrow of the regime.’
Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel
Missiles entering Israeli airspace, with images from international media revealing missiles being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem
Iranian media reported Tehran has also launched ballistic missiles towards Israel
The salvo of missiles and drones entering Israel airspace
Inside Iran, many were seen joyously celebrating as news of the attack broke.
Iranians were seen taking to the streets of Tehran with flares and Iranian flags, whooping and cheering as the missiles and drones entered Israeli airspace.
Surrounding countries appeared to prepare for an escalation in hostilities.
Iraq reopened its airspace on Sunday hours after suspending all air traffic as neighbouring Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, the Iraqi aviation authority announced.
Jordan, which neighbours Iraq as well as Israel, and Lebanon also reopened their respective airspace on Sunday having earlier closed them, as did Israel which said the Iranian attack had been ‘foiled’ with most launches intercepted overnight.
The Iraqi civil aviation authority announced in a statement ‘the reopening of the airspace’ and resumption of flights to and from airports across the country, saying there were no longer any ‘security risks to civilian aircraft’.
Kurdish media in northern Iraq reported that Iranian drones had flown over the autonomous Kurdish region overnight.
Israel, which had closed its airspace since 12:30 am (2130 GMT on Saturday) in anticipation of the Iranian attack, had reopened it by 7:30 am (0430 GMT), the Israeli airports authority said.
However, Austrian Airlines said on Sunday it had suspended ‘all flights to Tel Aviv in Israel, Arbil in Iraq and Amman in Jordan with immediate effect’ due to ‘recent developments in the Middle East’.
‘There will be no flights to or from Tel Aviv, Arbil and Amman’ until Monday, spokeswoman Sophie Matkovits said, adding that ‘the safety of personnel and passengers’ was the company’s top priority.
The airline also said a previously announced suspension of flights to Tehran in Iran would remain in effect until Thursday.
Long-haul flights passing through the Middle East will also be rerouted, it said.
Several international airlines have suspended or redirected flights in recent days to avoid Iranian airspace.
Syria is also on high alert, setting up its ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said.
Sources told Reuters they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.
Qatar and Kuwait have both issued directives against the US prohibiting the use of their airspace for any potential military action against Iran.
People holding Iranian flags gather to stage a demonstration in support of Iran’s attack on Israel in Tehran
The IRGC has promised for increased violence if Israel responds to the attack
Iranians celebrate on a street, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran
US military aircraft are stationed at the Ali Al Salem Air Base and the Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, as well as the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US airbase in the Middle East.
But Egypt’s foreign ministry urged both sides to exercise restraint, saying in a statement: ‘Egypt expresses its deep concern about the indicators of Iranian/Israeli escalation and demands the exercise of the utmost restraint
‘The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its deep concern regarding the announced launch of Iranian offensive marches against Israel, and the indicators of dangerous escalation between the two countries during the recent period, calling for the exercise of the utmost restraint to spare the region.
‘And its people are more factors for instability and tension.
‘Egypt considers that the dangerous escalation that the Iranian/Israeli arena is currently witnessing is nothing but a direct result of what Egypt has repeatedly warned about, about the dangers of expanding the conflict in the region as a result of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, and the provocative military actions being practiced in the region.
‘Egypt stresses that it is in constant contact with all concerned parties to try to contain the situation, stop the escalation, and spare the region the risk of sliding into a dangerous turn of instability and threat to the interests of its people.’
Demonstrators wave Iran’s flag and Palestinian flags as they gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024
Iranians were seen celebrating as the missiles and drones began to hit Israel
The rest of the world has begun to react to Iran’s strikes.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement: ‘I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.
‘The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.
‘Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.’
The UK’s Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron took to X to say: ‘Iran’s reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the party supported all measures ‘designed to restore calm’ and prevent a wider regional war.
In a statement, he said: ‘We condemn the Iranian regime’s decision to subject Israelis to these unacceptable attacks.
‘The international community has been united in urging restraint and we regret that yet again Iran has chosen a different, dangerous path.
‘Our thoughts are with all those in the region who want peace and security, not the fear and instability being generated by Iran.
‘We continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of our other partners in the region, including Jordan and Iraq. We support all measures designed to restore calm as we must do all we can to prevent a wider regional war.’
A battery of Israel’s Iron Dome defense missile system, deployed to intercept rockets, sits in Ashkelon
Grant Shapps, the UK’s defence minister added: ‘I strongly condemn the senseless airborne attack that Iran has launched on Israel. It serves no benefit other than to further undermine regional security.
‘We continue to work with Israel and partners in the region to prevent further escalation. Peace and stability are in everyone’s interest, and I urge Iran to immediately end all forms of destabilising behaviour.
‘In response to escalation in the region and in partnership with our allies, the Prime Minister and I have authorised the deployment of additional Royal Air Force assets.
‘The RAF jets and air refuelling tankers will bolster our existing Operation Shader – the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.’
In a late-night statement on Saturday, the MoD said: ‘In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.
‘We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region.’
Tehran had been threatening to attack since an air strike, which it blamed on Israel, last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria.
A spokesperson for the US’ National Security Council, meanwhile, said: ‘President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defence against these threats from Iran.’
US president Joe Biden said: ‘I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.’
Mr Biden said the US had helped Israel to ‘take down nearly all’ of the drones and missiles.
He said: ‘I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.
‘While we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.’
Former president Donald Trump took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, to say: ‘ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen – This would NEVER have happened if I were President!
‘AMERICA SUPPORTS ISRAEL!’
Inside Iran, many were seen joyously celebrating as news of the attack broke
Iranians were seen taking to the streets of Tehran with flares and Iranian flags, whooping and cheering as the missiles and drones entered Israeli airspace
Many lit up flares and sparklers in celebration of the attack
The long-range air defence system called Arman is displayed during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran
A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024
Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in central Israel, November 5, 2023
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon towards Israel over the Israeli Lebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, April 12, 2024
France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné said via X: ‘France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel. By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.
‘France reaffirms its attachment to Israel’s security and assures it of its solidarity.’
Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said on X: ‘Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel offers our full solidarity at this time.’
The UN has also weighed in, with secretary general Antonio Guterres condemning Iran’s attack on Israel and calling for restraint and an immediate cessation of hostilities.
‘I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,’