(14 Apr 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerusalem - 14 April 2024
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1. SOUNDBITE (English) Joe Federman, Associated Press:
"An unprecedented Iranian aerial assault on Israel has come to an end. But tensions between these two bitter enemies remains high. Israel says that overnight, Iran launched over 300 missiles and attack drones toward Israel. It says the vast majority, about 99%, were intercepted, and those that did get through caused only minor damage and one casualty, injuring a young girl. Both sides are trying to claim victory. Israel is pleased with the performance of its air defence systems. It also says it's happy with the international support and the criticism it's seeing against Iran. Both the U.S. and Britain both confirmed that their forces helped intercept incoming drones over international skies. Iran, meanwhile, says that this was a powerful response to an Israeli attack. It has accused Israel of assassinating two Iranian generals in Syria earlier this month. It says it was compelled to respond. It is also warning Israel against any retaliation. It says this was just a small part of what it's capable of doing. Now, what happens next depends largely on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously had said anybody who strikes Israel will in turn be struck back. But he's under pressure, heavy international pressure not to do anything and further escalate things. President Joe Biden is trying to assemble a concerted diplomatic response against Iran. He has also made it clear that if Israel responds, the U.S. will not be joining. So much will depend on Israel. Netanyahu is huddling with senior officials, a security cabinet, and a decision is expected in the near future."
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STORYLINE:
Israel on Sunday hailed its air defences in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying the systems thwarted 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory. Regional tensions were high amid fears of an Israeli counter-strike that could fuel further escalation.

U.S. President Joe Biden said he would convene a meeting Sunday of the Group of Seven advanced democracies “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.” The U.S. made clear it would not participate in any offensive action against Iran.

Iran launched the attack in response to a strike widely blamed on Israel that hit an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month and killed two Iranian generals. Israel said Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles.

By Sunday morning, Iran said the attack was over, and Israel reopened its airspace.

The two foes have for years been engaged in a shadow war marked by attacks such as the Damascus strike. But Sunday’s assault, which set off air-raid sirens across Israel, was the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Israel has over the years established — often with the help of the United States — a multilayered air-defence network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats, including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets.


“Iran launched more than 300 threats and 99% were intercepted,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman. “That is a success.” Asked if Israel would respond, Hagari said the country would do what was needed to protect its citizens.

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