Iran launches hundreds of missiles, drones in 1st direct attack on Israel

TEL AVIV HAILS SUCCESS' IN BLOCKING 99% OF THE ATTACK

In an unprecedented escalation of hostilities, Iran launched a direct military assault on Israel, firing dozens of drones and ballistic missiles. The aggressive act, the first of its kind despite the long-standing animosity between the two nations, has brought the Middle East to the brink of a widespread conflict.

In response, Israel's military, boasting a sophisticated multilayered air-defence network, claimed to have thwarted 99 per cent of the more than 300 threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, launched by Iran.

The Iranian attack was in retaliation for an airstrike on April 1 on its Embassy in Damascus that killed seven officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two senior commanders, an act Iran attributed to Israel.

The situation has drawn global attention, with the United States expressing its unwavering support for Israel. President Joe Biden has returned to the White House to oversee the situation, emphasising that the US does not seek escalation or war with Iran.

Biden has also communicated to Netanyahu that the US will abstain from joining any counter-attacks by Israel.

This stance was articulated by a White House representative.

Meanwhile, the G7, a group of the world's most advanced economies, is set to coordinate a diplomatic response to Iran's actions.

Israel reported that the attack consisted of 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles.

Following the end of the attack, Israel resumed normal airspace operations. Israeli officials, including War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, indicated plans to form a coalition to address the situation with Iran.