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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a dramatic display of defense prowess, Israel showcased its formidable air defense capabilities by intercepting a staggering 99% of the 300 deadly suicide drones and missiles launched by Iran towards the Jewish state on Saturday night, as was reported by The New York Post. Employing the advanced air defense system known as David’s Sling, along with a comprehensive array of anti-missile technologies, Israel successfully neutralized the overwhelming majority of the incoming threats.
David’s Sling, named metaphorically to evoke the Biblical story of David and Goliath, is primarily designed to counter medium- to long-range missiles and rockets, including drones, cruise missiles, and more advanced ballistic missiles. On the night of the attack, alongside other systems such as the renowned Iron Dome, David’s Sling was pivotal in thwarting the aerial onslaught. The system intercepted a diverse array of threats—120 ballistic missiles, approximately 30 cruise missiles, and around 170 explosive drones, as reported by Israeli military sources.
Amidst this onslaught, Israel received crucial assistance from allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and even an unexpected Arab partner. This collaborative effort called attention to the global recognition of the severity of the threat posed by Iran’s aggressive actions.
Remarkably, despite facing a direct attack from Iran for the first time in modern history, Israel emerged relatively unscathed. According to the information provided in the Post, minimal damage was sustained, with only one casualty confirmed thus far—a tragic incident involving a 7-year-old Bedouin girl. Indicated in the Post report was that Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. (R) Peter Lerner provided insight into the scale of the assault, citing approximately 120 ballistic missiles, 30 cruise missiles, and 170 explosive drones launched by Iran and its proxies.
Additionally, around 40 rockets were fired into Israel from Hezbollah based in Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the region. These attacks shine a spotlight on the proliferation of advanced munitions among terror organizations, posing a significant threat not only to Israel but also to regional stability.
While Israel’s renowned Iron Dome air defense system has historically been effective against rocket attacks from Hezbollah and Hamas terrorists, the magnitude of Iran’s assault necessitated the deployment of more sophisticated anti-missile systems, as per the information contained in the Post report. David’s Sling, alongside other advanced defense mechanisms, played a crucial role in intercepting the formidable barrage unleashed by Iran, thwarting what could have been a devastating strike on Israeli territory.
According to reports from the Jerusalem Post, the intercepted threats were neutralized through various means, including fighter aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles, the David’s Sling air defense system, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missiles, designed specifically to counter ballistic missiles, as was noted in the Post report.
Footage shared by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) showcased the intensity of the attacks, with fiery missiles being intercepted mid-flight, highlighting the effectiveness of Israel’s defense mechanisms. As the Post report explained, the interception efforts commenced around midnight, as cruise missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Simultaneously, the United States reportedly engaged in intercepting drones over Iraq and Syria, demonstrating a coordinated response to the multifaceted threat, the report added.
The IDF also released images capturing the deployment of an F-35I stealth fighter, which was scrambled to safeguard Israeli airspace. Detailed in the Post report was that the F-35I, a fifth-generation fighter jet designed in the United States, boasts advanced capabilities, including the ability to fire air-to-air missiles from a considerable distance, beyond the visual range of the pilot. This deployment illustrated Israel’s readiness to defend its airspace using cutting-edge technology and strategic maneuvers.
Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of the United States and other allies played a pivotal role in bolstering Israel’s defense against the onslaught of explosive drones and missiles. President Biden reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, emphasizing the ironclad nature of the alliance between the two nations.
According to statements from National Security spokesman John Kirby to CNN, the United States intercepted “several dozen” missiles and drones launched by Iran, utilizing a range of defense systems and military capabilities. Notably, the report said that Patriot missile batteries deployed in northern Iraq and the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier group stationed in the Red Sea played crucial roles in providing protection to American troops and intercepting hostile projectiles.
The deployment of two additional destroyers, specialized in intercepting incoming missiles and aircraft, further bolstered the defensive posture in the region, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. These naval assets, strategically positioned in key areas, contributed to the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles over Israel, demonstrating the efficacy of coordinated defense efforts.
Moreover, US warplanes were engaged in intercepting targets, underscoring the multifaceted approach adopted to neutralize potential threats. The report in the Post also mentioned that the involvement of allies such as the United Kingdom and France, who confirmed the utilization of their military assets to shoot down Iranian projectiles, calls attention to the collaborative nature of the response to Iran’s aggression.
In a remarkable display of cooperation, Jordan, a former adversary of Israel now aligned with the United States, also played a significant role in the interception efforts. The Post reported that the Royal Jordanian Air Force deployed US-made F-16 fighter jets to intercept incoming Iranian drones, showcasing the commitment of regional partners to confront common security challenges.
Jordan found itself drawn into the conflict when it was accused of assisting Israel in defending its airspace against threats posed by Iran. However, Jordan quickly denied these accusations, asserting that its actions were solely aimed at protecting its own citizens from potential harm.
President Biden engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attack orchestrated by Iran. In a statement released after their conversation, Biden emphasized America’s steadfast support for Israel’s security. The report affirmed that he praised Israel’s ability to repel the attack, showing its remarkable defense capabilities that thwarted unprecedented assaults. Biden’s words aimed to send a clear message to Israel’s adversaries, asserting that attempts to undermine Israel’s security would not succeed.
Moreover, President Biden assured Netanyahu that the United States would not partake in any offensive operations against Iran. This stance speaks volumes about the Biden administration’s commitment to diplomacy and de-escalation in the region. Biden’s communication with Netanyahu sought to reinforce Israel’s position and provide assurance of continued support from the United States.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remained volatile. Hezbollah launched a fresh barrage of rockets from Lebanon towards northern Israel, adding to the already tense atmosphere. The Post reported that this retaliatory attack was purportedly in response to Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns earlier that night. Although the rockets caused property damage in Katzrin, fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
