Israel fended off a ferocious attack on Saturday with the support of powerful allies in the region and around the world.
Several countries worked together to defeat more than 300 drones and missiles fired at Israel from Iran, with the Israel Defense Forces claiming about 99% of the attacks were thwarted by its forces and allies.
“At my direction, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers into the region last week to support the defense of Israel. Thanks to these deployments and the outstanding skills of our military personnel, we “We attacked nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles that helped shoot it down,” President Biden said in a statement condemning the Iranian attack.
However, it was not only the United States that stepped up to defend Israel; France, Jordan, and the United Kingdom also played a role in thwarting the attack.
Biden calls for G7 meeting to counter Iran’s ‘brazen’ attack
Israeli tanks move near the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on Thursday, April 11. (AP/Tsafril Abayov)
French officials told Fox News on Sunday that several Iranian projectiles were intercepted by French forces over Iraq and Jordan.
“France has ground and air defense forces in the region to protect its armed forces. They were used to neutralize anything flying over our rights,” said a person familiar with the matter. Officials confirmed this.
According to some information, the Royal Air Force also participated in the defense. Times of Israel coverageRoyal Air Force fighter jets will intercept unmanned drones heading towards Israel in the region, and Royal Air Force fighter jets in the Middle East will “intercept airborne attacks within our existing missions as required”. I swore.
Explosions occur on the Israel-Gaza border, causing thick smoke to rise (photo taken from Sderot). (Ilia Efimovich/Photo in partnership with Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Jordanian security sources said, confirmed to Reuters The country’s military announced that it had intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that had violated its airspace while en route to Israel. The country also said it was stepping up reconnaissance flights in the region and had temporarily closed its airspace on Saturday as a precaution.
World leaders unanimously condemn Iran’s ‘reckless’ attack on Israel: ‘We stand with Israel’
“Given the security situation in the area, the relevant authorities have decided to close the airspace for precautionary reasons,” Jordanian government spokesman Muhanad Mubaideen told Reuters.
Israel itself has advanced air defenses, including the famous Iron Dome and David’s Sling, which it used to fend off Iranian attacks.
File photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his weekly Cabinet meeting at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 7, 2024. Reuters/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File Photo (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File photo)
“Israel has a multilayered air defense system consisting of Iron Dome, David Sling, Arrow, and other undisclosed assets. It is also likely to receive ballistic missile support defense from the United States, as both militaries have been training for years. ” said Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as reported by the Times of Israel.
The Arrow Missile Defense System, consisting of the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3, can intercept missiles launched from nearly 1,500 miles away, including above the Earth’s atmosphere. David’s sling, on the other hand, is designed to intercept planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, and missiles. Medium- and long-range rockets and cruise missiles are fired from ranges of 25 to 190 miles.
Jewish groups vocally support Israel’s ‘duty’ to protect against Iranian attack
General Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), met with Israeli Defense Minister Job Galant amid rising tensions with Tehran. (Ariel Harmoni/IMoD)
Before Saturday’s attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military had been “preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran” for several weeks.
“Air defense systems are in place and ready to respond to any scenario, both offensive and defensive,” the prime minister said.
On Sunday, the Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to the attack, but it remains unclear what countermeasures the country will take directly against Iran.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has reportedly advised Israel against attacking Iran, while affirming US support for the longtime ally.
“Israel has demonstrated an incredible ability to defend against and defeat unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to our adversaries that virtually no one can threaten Israel’s security,” Biden said after the attack. .
