The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that it had stopped 99% of Iranian drones and missiles from reaching their targets, achieving a “significant strategic result.”
As Breitbart News reported, Iran attacked Israel overnight from Saturday to Sunday with a swarm of more than 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of them. The US, UK and Jordan also intercepted Iranian drones.
IDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said in a statement (via IDF) translation):
Last night, Iran launched an attack against Israel, issuing over 300 threats of various types. The Iranian threat was countered by the IDF’s air and technological superiority and powerful combat coalition, which together thwarted the vast majority of threats. Her 99% of threats launched against Israeli territory have been thwarted. This is a very important strategic outcome.
Of the approximately 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Iran, none entered Israeli territory. Dozens of them were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets, our country’s air defense arrays, and partner air defense systems and aircraft.
Of the more than 30 cruise missiles launched by Iran, not a single one entered Israeli territory. 25 of them were intercepted by International Air Force fighter jets outside the border. Only a few of the more than 120 ballistic missiles entered Israeli territory, and the rest were intercepted. These fell on Nevatim Air Base, causing only minor damage to infrastructure. As you can see, the base is operational and continues to perform its mission. In the image, the landing zone of Nevatim base is visible.
Iran had hoped to neutralize the base and undermine our aviation capabilities, but they failed. IAF aircraft will continue to take off and land from the base and depart on attack and defense missions. This also includes the ‘Adeel’ fighter jet, which is currently returning to base from an air defense mission and will be seen landing soon.
In addition to the launches from Iran, several launches were also carried out from the territory of Iraq and Yemen. None of them invaded Israeli territory. Dozens of rockets have been fired north from Lebanese territory in recent hours. There were no casualties. Fighter jets attacked Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including targets in Radwan. During this time, additional aircraft continue on defense missions.
Over the past six months, we have worked closely with our partners, primarily in Centcom, the United Kingdom, France, and other countries where we were active last night. This partnership has always been strong, but last night it was very evident. Last night, we conducted a complex defensive air battle that saw great performance by the IAF and the Intelligence Directorate. The battle was directed by the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Air Force Operations Center.
The interception capabilities of air defense arrays and the defense capabilities of IAF aircraft demonstrated not only the IDF’s military and technological superiority, but also its extraordinary professionalism. Thanks to all this, the attack by Iran was thwarted.
The only Israeli casualty was an Arab-Israeli girl, a Bedouin Muslim, who was hit by shrapnel in the Israeli city of Arad.
Analysts at Israel Army Radio suggested that Israel had reversed its position in the past few weeks, when it was isolated in the world over civilian costs from its war with Hamas in Gaza. One spoke of the emergence of a Middle East “NATO” heralded by Jordan’s efforts to protect Israel from Iranian attack.
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor at Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday Sunday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT) on Sirius XM Patriot. He is the author of a recently published e-book.The Zionist conspiracy (and how to join it)‘ is now available on Audible. He is also the author of an e-book. Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 US Presidential Election. He is the recipient of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter @joelpolak.
