Israel’s War Cabinet met on Sunday without deciding on the next steps, as the world anxiously awaited any sign of further escalation after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. This marked the first time Iran had struck Israel from its own soil, sparking fears of a potential all-out war.
Israeli leaders credited an international military coalition for helping thwart a direct Iranian attack involving hundreds of drones and missiles. They called the coordinated response a starting point for a “strategic alliance” of regional opposition to Tehran. The US Central Command claimed that its forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, had destroyed over 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen.
The Israeli military reported that 99% of the barrage was successfully intercepted, with no Israeli casualties reported. Iran claimed to have achieved its objective of temporarily halting the progression towards a larger conflict. Allies of Israel in the US and Europe urged restraint, advocating for the avoidance of further escalation.
Israel’s chief spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated that the country remained on high alert and was assessing the situation. He mentioned that operational plans for both offensive and defensive actions had been approved. The Iranian attack came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals, marking the first direct military assault on Israel by Iran.
The situation remains tense as both countries weigh their next moves in this escalating conflict.