Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press on Saturday showed damage to a taxiway in an Iranian attack on an Israeli desert air base last week as part of Tehran’s unprecedented assault on the country.
Although Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, the overall damage to the Nevatim air base in southern Israel was minimal. Israeli air defense systems and fighter jets, backed by the United States, Britain and neighboring Jordan, shot down much of the incoming fire.
But Iran’s attack over the weekend showed that tensions remain high across the Middle East over Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and that Tehran is willing to use its vast arsenal of ballistic missiles directly against Israel. Israel launched an apparent retaliatory attack on Iran’s Isfahan on Friday, and Tehran’s muted response suggested that both countries want to put a temporary halt to their long shadow war – even as the risk of wider conflagration in the region remains.
Planet Labs PBC images taken for The Associated Press on Friday show fresh asphalt on a taxiway near the southern hangar at Nevatim Air Base, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Jerusalem. Haaretz newspaper published a low-resolution image of the site on Thursday, noting that a nearby hangar houses C-130 cargo planes flown by the transport squadron.
The satellite image corresponds with footage released earlier by the Israeli military that showed construction equipment working on a damaged taxiway. The hangar in the background of the video reflects conditions nearby.
Other images released by the Israeli military showed a crater in the sand and what appeared to be a wall causing damage allegedly caused by an Iranian attack. There was little visible damage to the air base in the satellite images, directly contradicting Iran’s attempts to portray the attack as a great victory for a public alienated by the Islamic Republic’s sluggish economy and a harsh crackdown on dissent in recent years. .
Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi said on Friday: “This operation became a symbol of the strength of the Islamic Republic and its armed forces. It also showed the firm determination of our country and our wise leaders, commanders of all forces. “
However, it does suggest that Iran’s arsenal could reach Israel, as the April 13 attack marked the first time a foreign country has targeted Iran since Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein fired Scud missiles at Israel during the 1991 Gulf War. Conduct a direct military attack.
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