Update(1554ET): Axios correspondent Barak Ravid has cited several US and Israeli officials who say Iran’s attack against Israel has started. It is currently almost 11pm in Israel. It could take hours for the drones to reach Israel, however, the big question remains whether Tehran sends ballistic missiles. Both the IDF and the Biden administration have confirmed that drones are en route to Israeli airspace.
“Iran launches attack against Israel using dozens of drones, four U.S. and Israeli officials told me,” Ravid writes. Airspace across Iran, Jordan, and Israel has reportedly been shut in the last hours.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the following nighttime speech just ahead of the reported attack:
“Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran,” the premier says in a video statement. “Our defense systems are deployed, and we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and offense. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.”
“We appreciate the US for standing by Israel’s side as well as the support of the UK, France and many other countries.” “I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. We will defend ourselves from any threat and we will do so calmly and with determination.”
“I know that you, the citizens of Israel, are also keeping calm. I urge you to listen to the directives of the Home Front Command.”
“Together we stand, and with God’s help, together we will overcome all of our enemies,” Netanyahu says.
Continue reading “Iran Begins Attack On Israel By Launching Dozens Of Suicide Drones”
