“The IDF is strong. The public is strong,” Mr. Netanyahu said.
New Delhi:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Israel has been preparing for a direct attack from Iran for years and will “harm” anyone who harms them. Iran last night. Iran launched a series of explosive drones and missiles late Saturday aimed directly at Israeli territory in response to the bombing of its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier this month.
“In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, whether defensive or offensive. The State of Israel is strong. IDF Public Very powerful,” Mr. Netanyahu said.
In addition to direct attacks by Iran, its allies and proxies have carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions, with sirens sounded in many areas and explosions heard over Jerusalem early Sunday. On April 1, an airstrike hit the Israeli consulate in Damascus, killing seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two generals. Iran had previously threatened to retaliate against Israel. The United States has repeatedly warned of impending retaliation.
“We are grateful to the United States for standing with Israel, and for the support of the United Kingdom, France and many other countries. We have established a clear principle: whoever harms us, we harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so Be level-headed and determined,” Mr. Netanyahu wrote in a statement.
Hamas rejects peace deal
Palestinian militant group Hamas has rejected the latest offer from international mediators for a truce in the Gaza war, Israel’s spy agency Massed said today.
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have previously acted as intermediaries in the negotiations, but a workable deal has proven elusive. Mediators are aiming for a ceasefire before the start of Ramadan, but progress has stalled.
On Friday, Mr Netanyahu approved new ceasefire discussions in Doha and Cairo. His office announced that the Israeli prime minister had spoken to Mossad chief David Bania about talks, but did not specify whether Bania would travel to the two cities.
On October 7, Hamas militants attacked Israel, triggering a conflict in which approximately 250 hostages were taken. Israel estimates that 130 people are still detained in Gaza, 33 of whom are suspected to be dead.
“More than a week has passed since the Cairo meeting, and Hamas has rejected the outline proposed by the mediators,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Mossad said in a joint statement.
Office of Minister Lem – Mossad Statement
More than a week has passed since the Cairo meeting, and Hamas has rejected the outline proposed by the mediators.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 14, 2024
“The rejection of the proposals by the three mediators, which included the most significant flexibility from the Israeli side, is evidence that (Yahya) Sinwar does not want a humanitarian agreement and the repatriation of the hostages, is continuing to exploit tensions with Iran, and is working to unite departments and achieve comprehensive upgradation of the area,” it added.
Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed in a televised statement that Iran launched drones into Israeli territory and stressed that it was working closely with the United States and regional partners to respond to the attack.
Regional dynamics
Residents of Jerusalem sought shelter and some stockpiled supplies. US President Joe Biden reiterated his unwavering support for Israel after urgent discussions with top security officials.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the drone and missile strikes were in retaliation for the Damascus attack. Ballistic missiles are launched from slower-moving drones.
In Tehran, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the military action against Israel, waving Iranian and Palestinian flags.
The Israeli military reported that Iran launched a large number of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted. Deploy fighter jets to deal with all air threats.
Iran’s allies in the region, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, have also joined in the attacks. Britain, France and Egypt condemned Iran’s actions, while Saudi Arabia called for restraint.
