Iran Launches Attack Against Israel with Long-range Drones

[J.J.Gibbs]

Iran Launches Attack Against Israel with Long-range Drones

JOEL B. POLLAK
13 Apr 20248,336


AMNUN, northern Israel — Iran launched drones against Israel on Saturday that are en route, though they may take hours to arrive, according to Israeli media sources.



Barak Ravid of Axios and Walla reported the attack:

The attack is supposedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on April 1 that eliminated seven senior Iranian military officials, including two generals, in Damascus, Syria. Iran has been using its terrorist proxies to attack Israel for decades, and accelerated those attacks after the Hamas invasion of October 7.



In anticipation of the attack, Israel’s Home Front Command canceled school for the next two days, and ordered demonstrations in favor of the hostages still in Gaza — a Saturday night tradition in much of the country — to disperse. Other large gatherings were also banned.



A military briefing scheduled with Breitbart News for Sunday morning was also abruptly canceled due to the ongoing attack.



It is not clear whether Israel’s aerial defense system will be able to manage the drone attack, and whether Israel will — as promised — attack Iranian territory in response.



Fighter jets were heard overhead in the northern Galilee on Saturday evening.



The drone attack could mark a dramatic escalation in a conflict that has been fueled for three-and-a-half decades by Iranian radicalism against the West.



Update: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement:



Citizens of Israel,



In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran.



Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.



We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.



We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.



Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command.



Together we will stand and with G-d’s help – together we will overcome all of our enemies.



Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari issued a statement describing a single drone launched by Iran, from its own territory. Israel has said that any attack from Iranian territory would result in an attack on Iran.

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[J.J.Gibbs]

‘Crossed a New Level’ — International Community Condemns Iran for ‘Reckless’ Strikes on Israel

KURT ZINDULKA
13 Apr 2024

World leaders were quick to condemn the “reckless” attacks on Israel by the Islamist regime in Iran, which they said “crossed a new line” in launching dozens of drone and missile strikes against the Jewish state on Saturday.



The international community, including leaders in Britain and the European Union, swiftly condemned the strikes on Israel by the Revolutionary Guard Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which marked a dramatic escalation in the conflict between Tehran and Jerusalem from previous attacks carried out by Iran’s terrorist proxies in the region to direct strikes.



Responding to the Iranian attack on Israel, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the UK condemns “in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel”.



Sunak warned that the attacks “risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region” and that “Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.”



“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq,” the British leader continued. “Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”



Meanwhile, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said that it has moved “several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region” and said that any RAF jets stationed in the Middle East “will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required”.



“In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks,” the MoD said.

The top diplomats in France, Germany and Italy have also expressed condemnations on behalf of their governments. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné said that Pairs “condemns” the attack, which he said had “crossed a new level” of destabilisation. “France reaffirms its attachment to the security of Israel and assures it of its solidarity,” he added.



German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: “We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel offers our full solidarity at this time.”



Deputy Italian Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, who also serves as the nation’s foreign minister, said that Rome is monitoring the situation “with attention and concern”. Tajani said that he has spoken with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and relayed that the government is “ready to manage any type of scenario.”





Leaders in the European Union also expressed outrage over Iran’s strikes on Israel, with the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell saying: “The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.”



European Council President Charles Michel wrote on social media: “Strongly condemn the attack launched by Iran on Israel. Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners.”



For its part, the Islamist regime in Tehran has claimed that the missile and drone strikes on Israel are a retaliation for an April 1st airstrike on Damascus, Syria that reportedly killed seven members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, including two top generals. Israel has so far not claimed responsibility for the attack.

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[ExquisiteGerbil]

Iron Dome in Action: Israel’s Defense System Starts Shooting Down Iranian Suicide Drones Over Jerusalem

By Jim Hᴏft
Apr. 13, 2024 6:20 pm

Israel’s Iron Dome system has been activated in response to a significant barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles, with the system actively shooting down numerous Iranian suicide drones over Jerusalem.



It was reported earlier that the suicide drones still have a long way to go to reach Israel through Iraq and Syria.



This defensive response comes amidst reports of loud explosions echoing through the area as warning sirens wail across the city, signaling the gravity of the situation.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed in a press conference held on Saturday that Iran has launched a staggering total of over 100 drones and more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting Israel. This aggressive action has prompted a swift and coordinated defense effort, showcasing the Iron Dome’s capabilities in real-time.



As the Iron Dome system engages the incoming threats, the skies over Jerusalem have become a battleground for technological warfare, with the Israeli system proving to be a crucial shield against the Iranian offensive.



WATCH via i24News:

More videos from Emily Schrader of YNetNews:

The Gateway Pundit previously reported that Iran’s mission to the United Nations claims that military action that began hours ago against Israel by Iran has concluded.



PERMANENT MISSION OF IRAN TO U.N RELEASE A STATEMENT REGARDING THE IRANIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL.



“Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”



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[Midnight]

Jordan Joined U.S., U.K. in Intercepting Iranian Drone Attack on Israel

JOEL B. POLLAK
13 Apr 2024

AMNUN, Galilee, Israel — Jordan joined the U.S. and the United Kingdom in helping to intercept drones that Iran launched against Israel on Saturday night, according to Israeli and international news sources.



Jordan’s involvement marks one of the few times that an Arab country has assisted in defending Israel, marking a potential watershed in Israel-Arab relations.



Reuters reported:



Jordan’s air force intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that violated its airspace and were heading to Israel, two regional security sources said.



They said the army was also in a state of high alert and radar systems were monitoring any drone activity coming from the direction of Iraq and Syria.



Residents in several cities in the northern part of the country near Syria and central and southern areas heard heavy aerial activity.



The New York Times, citing Israeli officals, reported: “Iran launched 185 drones and 36 cruise missiles. Most of the launches were from Iran, though a small portion came from Iraq and Yemen. Iran also launched 110 surface-to-surface missiles.”



The U.S. and U.K. also downed some of the drones, but most of the drones and missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses.



There was one casualty: a Bedouin Israeli Arab Muslim girl was severely wounded by shrapnel in the southern Negev desert city of Arad.

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[Midnight]

Crowds in Iran Celebrate Missile, Drone Attacks Against Israel

JOEL B. POLLAK
13 Apr 2024

Crowds of pro-regime demonstrators poured into the streets of Tehran, the Iranian capital, overnight Saturday into Sunday as Iran launched more than 200 drones and cruise missiles against Israel.






The Hindustan Times reported:



Iranians have flooded the streets in large numbers to celebrate Iran’s attack on Israel. Numerous videos and posts circulating online depict a large gathering and rally of Iranian citizens at Palestine Square in Tehran, marking the move with jubilation. The attack, launched by Iran and its proxies, involved hundreds of suicide drones, ballistic missiles, and rockets targeting the Jewish state from all sides.



…



On Saturday night, pictures and videos of Iranians celebrating in Teheran went viral. Video clips reportedly showing Palestinians celebrating in the al-Aqsa mosque in response to reports of Iran’s rocket and drone attack also surfaced online. This large-scale attack highlights the huge population gap between the two long-time rivals. Israel has a population of less than 8 million people, while Iran has an estimated population of more than 89 million people, more than 10 times the size of Israel.



Iran has refrained from attacking Israel directly, using proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias. But the celebrations may be short-lived.


Israel has said that it would attack Iran directly in response to an attack that originates on Iranian soil.


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[schwartzie]

U.S Military Shoots Down ‘Dozens’ of Iranian Attack Drones Headed for Israel

Frank Bergman
April 14, 2024 - 9:16 am


The United States military has shot down “dozens” of pilotless Iranain attack drones that were fired at Israel by the Islamic regime.



The attacks from Iran were launched against the Jewish state in the early hours of Sunday morning.



However, the unprecedented air attack from Iranian drones and missiles largely fizzled in the face of the Jewish state’s powerful air defenses with assistance from the U.S. military and other allies.



A senior U.S. official told Fox News that the U.S. military has shot down “at least dozens” of Iranian drones en route to Israel early Sunday local time.



The official added that U.S. military engagement is ongoing.



Videos show missiles raining down in the skies above Israel.



WATCH:



The Sky Over Jerusalem as the First Volley Hits

Additional videos show missiles and drones being destroyed before they could reach their targets.

rumble.com/v4pbg7l-the-sky-over-jerusalem-as-the-first-volley-hits.html



WATCH:

The U.S. military official reportedly told Fox:


“U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel.



“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region.”



Israel’s layered and advanced air defense systems intercepted 99% of the missiles fired by Iran, a senior Israeli official said.



“The [Israeli] response will be unprecedented,” he said.



Officials added that the U.S. military assets in the region will shoot down any missiles or drones that are fired and may threaten the U.S. or its allies.



“The U.S. will not strike, but it will defend its allies,” a senior U.S. military official said.



“If things are in the air we will shoot them down.”



Fox News also confirmed the U.S. closely coordinated with Jordan and Egypt.



Jordan played a key part in downing projectiles fired at Israel.



Officials say that the use of airspace will also be something to watch and that they monitor.



Iran said earlier Sunday that its attack “can be deemed concluded.”



However, the regime warned it would respond decisively to any nation that lets Israel use its airspace to attack Iran.

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[J.J.Gibbs]

Biden Let U.N. Sanctions on Iran Missiles Expire Before Unprecedented Israel Attack

FRANCES MARTEL
14 Apr 2024

The administration of leftist President Joe Biden did not move to renew expiring sanctions in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile production at the United Nations in October, shortly after the Iran-backed massacre of an estimated 1,200 people in Israel and Saturday’s unprecedented direct missile assault by Iran on the country.



The Iranian military spent much of the past week threatening retaliation against Israel in response to a military operation targeting senior leaders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an arm of the Iranian military and U.S.-designated terrorist organization. The operation resulted in the elimination of seven Iranian terrorists, most prominent among them Quds Force commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi.



Tehran finally acted on Saturday, launching over 300 drones and missiles towards Israeli territory. The barrage orchestrated directly by the Iranian military – and not one of its many proxy forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Yemeni Houthi terrorist organization – was “unprecedented,” Biden said in response. It did not, however, result in major damage.



The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed over “300 threats of various types” swarmed Israel from Iran. An estimated 99 percent of them were intercepted, including all the drones and cruise missiles. Israel has documented one casualty, an Israeli Arab girl hit by shrapnel from one of the missiles. Despite this, the IRGC declared victory, describing the failed assault as a “success.” As it typically does after terrorist attacks, the Iranian government allowed loyalists to orchestrate street celebrations on Saturday night over the attack in Tehran.



Critics of the Biden administration noted in the aftermath of the attack that Iran has had nearly five months to legally expand its development of drone and ballistic missile technology after “transition day,” October 18, 2023. As part of former President Barack Obama’s catastrophic 2015 “Iran nuclear deal,” known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the United Nations Security Council imposed limits on Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. The signatories to the agreement chose October 18 as an automatic expiration deadline, presumably expecting Iran to abide by the deal and earn the termination.



Iran has consistently violated the agreement since its 2015 signing, most recently expelling International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors in November. The IAEA has repeatedly warned that Iran is enriching uranium at levels that are not consistent with peaceful nuclear development.



October 18 also arrived shortly after the invasion and massacre of Israelis by Hamas, a jihadist organization that has long received financial support from Iran. A Hamas spokesman told the BBC on the record on October 7 that Hamas had “direct backing” from Iran for the attack. Iran’s “supreme leader,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, openly celebrated the genocidal attack on Twitter, calling the state of Israel a “cancer.”

The Security Council sanctions could have been extended through protocol in the United Nations to formally accuse Iran of violating the provisions of the nuclear deal. The Biden administration made no move to “snap back” the sanctions, however, instead announcing a new series of sanctions limited to some Iranian individuals and organizations, backed by dozens of states that co-signed a joint statement with the State Department in October.



“On October 18, 2023, the restrictions set forth in UN Security Council … was based on the assumption that Iran would take the necessary steps towards restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program,” the statement read. “This has not happened. In this context, it is imperative that all States continue to take steps to counter Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile-related activities through ongoing counterproliferation cooperation.”



Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement published on October 18 that Iran’s “development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles and missile-related technology remains one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security,” vowing to “utilize every tool at our disposal to counter Iran’s development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles, UAVs, and other dangerous weapons.”



The restoration of U.N. sanctions was not addressed in the statement, which focused on Iran’s reportedly providing of drones to Russia for use on the Ukrainian battlefield and its arming of terror proxies, rather than concerns that Iran could use its weapons itself. Similarly, experts concerned about the expiration of the sanctions warned that Iran would now be free to arm “Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis,” rather than focusing on Iran’s own ability to conduct attacks.



The Iranian government celebrated “Transition Day” and declared that the sanctions on its missiles and drones had “unconditionally” ended.



The government of Israel responded to the attack on Saturday asserting that it would continue defending itself from its terrorist neighbor.



“We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us,” war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday.

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[Shoshanna]

Iranian Leader Khamenei Posts Tweet in Hebrew Threatening Israel After Missile Attack – Israeli President Responds

By Jim Hoft
Apr. 14, 2024 9:00 pm

Late Saturday Iran fired off missiles and 50-100 drones in an unprecedented attack from Iranian soil on the state of Israel.



Israel later announced that 99% of Iran’s missiles were taken down and did not reach their target. US ships assisted in shooting down the incoming missiles that crossed over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace before they were shot down by Israel.



This was the first time the Iranian regime fired on Israel directly – typically Iran uses its affiliates of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen to do their dirty work.



On Sunday, Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei posted a threatening tweet on X in Hebrew.



After Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel on Saturday-early Sunday morning, Khamenei threatened Israel, “Al-Quds will be in the hands of the Muslims, and the Muslim world will celebrate the liberation of Palestine.”



Obviously, Khamenei taunting the Israelis after his unprecedented strike against Israel just hours earlier.







Whenever Muslims speak about the liberation of Palestine they are talking about the total destruction of Israel.



Israeli Defense Minister Ben Gvir responded to the tweet — “Are you talking about the same holy Al-Quds that you wanted to shell yesterday and the Israeli defense prevented you from doing so?”


Iran is also threatening a harsh response of Israel strikes back against the regime.

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[ExquisiteGerbil]

Iran Closes Nuclear Sites Fearing Israeli Attack: IAEA Chief

Iran International Newsroom


Iran shut down its nuclear facilities last Sunday over “security considerations,” UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has said, expressing concern over the “possibility” of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.



Speaking to reporters in New York on Monday, IAEA Director General confirmed that the facilities had reopened within 24 hours, but with no IAEA supervision, as the agency has decided to keep its inspectors away until the situation is “completely calm.”



Grossi was referring to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which many fear may lead to an all-out war between the two countries and potentially engulf the whole Middle East.



Israel bombed Iran’s consulate in Damascus on 1 April, killing seven members of the Islamic Revolution’s Guards Corpse (IRGC), including a high-ranking commander and his deputy. Iran retaliated on 13 April, launching more than 300 missiles and drones towards Israel –all but a few of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies.



On Monday, Israeli officials vowed to respond to the attack. When asked about the possibility of Israel hitting Iran’s nuclear sites, Grossi said, “We are always concerned about this possibility.” He urged both sides to show “extreme restraint”.



Grossi also reiterated the IAEA’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program.



“A bit more than a year ago, I went to Tehran and signed a joint declaration with the Iranian government indicating a number of actions that we will be taking together with Iran,” Grossi said. “We started that process and that process was interrupted. And I have been insisting that we need to go back to that understanding that we had in March 2023.”



In September 2023, Iran withdrew the designation of several inspectors assigned to conduct verification activities in Iran under the Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement. Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami later claimed that those expelled had had a history of "extremist political behavior”.



“We are always urging, asking and requiring Iran to cooperate with us in full,” Grossi told Iran International’s Maryam Rahmati. “It's not that we are not there, but we are not there at the level that we consider we should be.”



The IAEA reported in February that Iran is enriching and stockpiling near-weapons-grade uranium, warning that such elevated purity cannot be explained by civilian applications.



When asked about Iran’s enrichment levels by Iran International, Grossi siad, “the fact that there is an accumulation of uranium enriched at very, very high levels does not automatically mean you're having a weapon…but it raises questions in the international community.”



Iran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons, but no other state has enriched to that level without producing them.



A report published last month by the Institute for Science and International Security claimed that Iran is moving ahead with building a nuclear site deep underground near Natanz.



“This Iranian nuclear weapons-making facility could be impervious to Israeli and perhaps even American bombs,” Foundation for Defense of Democracies CEO Mark Dubowitz said at the time. “Time is quickly running out, as Iran moves into a zone of nuclear immunity, to deny the regime permanent use of this deadly site.”

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[Honoria]

Iran: ‘Tiniest invasion’ by Israel will prompt ‘harsh’ response

The threat comes as Israel’s War Cabinet is deciding on a “painful” retaliation to the Islamic Republic's massive April 14 drone and missile attack.
(April 17, 2024 / JNS)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned on Wednesday that the “tiniest invasion” by Israel would precipitate a “massive and harsh” response, the Associated Press reported.



Iran’s massive April 14 drone and missile attack against Israel, dubbed Honest Promise, “brought down the glory of the Zionist regime,” Raisi added, according to Agence France-Presse.



He was speaking at an annual military parade in Tehran.



The attack was celebrated in the Iranian capital with festive crowds gathering in Palestine Square waving Palestinian flags and dancing.



Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tweeted that “The malicious Zionist regime will be punished.”



Raisi’s threat comes as Israel’s War Cabinet is in the process of deciding on a “painful” retaliation to the Islamic Republic’s , with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting on Tuesday that Jerusalem is determined to achieve victory over its enemies in “all sectors.”



Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday urged the international community to confront Iran.



“The whole world must work decisively and defiantly against the threat posed by the Iranian regime, which is seeking to undermine the stability of the entire region,” Herzog said after meeting the foreign ministers of Britain and Germany in Jerusalem.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday told Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz that the Biden administration wants to prevent any further escalation in the Middle East.


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[Midnight]

Netanyahu Drops 9-Word Response After Iran's President Vows to Wipe Out Israel



By Johnathan Jones

April 17, 2024 at 12:12pm


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his country would not blink after officials in Iran vowed to destroy the country on Wednesday.



Days after Iran launched hundreds of missiles and suicide drones at the Jewish state on Saturday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel to think carefully about responding.

While Netanyahu had yet to respond militarily to Iran as of Wednesday, he made it clear in a succinct, nine-word statement that every option is on the table.



“Israel will do whatever it needs to defend itself,” Netanyahu said in a statement obtained by Fox News.



The outlet reported the comment was made after Netanyahu met separately with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.



Both reportedly advised Netanyahu about his country’s options.



Some have called for Israel to launch a massive attack against Tehran.



Others, including President Joe Biden, would reportedly prefer for Netanyahu to not respond over fears a major conflict could arise in the Middle East.



But as far as Israel’s leader was concerned Wednesday, he will ultimately decide the best course of action for his people.



“They have all sorts of suggestions and advice,” Netanyahu said of the foreign allies he had spoken with, Fox News reported.



Related: Biden Gives Netanyahu Terrible News as Israel Reportedly Plans Counterattack Against Iran

He concluded, “I appreciate that. But I want to be clear: Our decisions we will make ourselves.”



The Times of Israel reported that Raisi had declared on Wednesday that Tehran’s aerial attack on Israel had been a great success — despite the fact that 99 percent of projectiles fired were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the U.S. and the U.K.

Raisi also reportedly said that even the “tiniest invasion” from Israel in response to Saturday’s attacks would result in a “massive and harsh” retaliation from Iran.



The country’s president further claimed that its weekend strikes against Israel “brought down the glory of the Zionist regime.”



The comments were made during an annual military parade on the outskirts of Tehran, the Times reported.



They ignored the military failure of Iran to inflict any substantial damage inside of Israel.



But while addressing troops, Raisi declared, “This operation showed that our armed forces are ready.”

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[Midnight]

NBC’s Bradley: Israel May Have Made ‘Deeply Destabilizing Move’ for Iran and Whole Region by Striking Back


IAN HANCHETT
18 Apr 2024

On Thursday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s “11th Hour,” NBC News Foreign Correspondent Matt Bradley stated that the explosions in Iran “could be a deeply, deeply destabilizing move by the Israelis, and again, not just for the Iranians, but for the entire region” including Syria.



Bradley began by saying, “I think for a lot of folks here, the big question is going to be whether or not this whole thing spells out beyond Iran’s borders, because of Iran itself, Iran’s policies, Iran’s sort of belligerency spills out beyond its borders, particularly here in Lebanon, where it’s dominated a lot of the politics, a lot of the military capabilities are dominated by Hezbollah, which is the main cat’s paw of Iran against Israel, and they really are populating the area far south of where I am, down the coast, near the Israeli border. And for the past six months, ever since Hamas’ October 7 attack against Israel, we’ve been seeing, not really a low level, but almost a sort of a simmering boil of a fight over that border between Hezbollah and Israel. Now, that is one of the proxies, Hezbollah, of Iran. Hamas is another one, now we’re talking about the Houthis in Yemen, the Popular Mobilization units in Iraq and some of them in Syria also backed by the Iranians. The regime of Bashar al-Assad is backed by the Iranians. So, we’re talking about not just Iran, but all of these other groups, militant groups, and in some cases, nations, that have connections to Iran that are really, as far as Israel is concerned, legitimate targets. Now, a lot of these groups may have been considering before today that they could have been struck, because as Courtney said, we’ve been waiting for this, the other shoe to drop for the better part of the past week, ever since we saw that salvo of missiles fired by the Iranians at Israel on Saturday night. And this looks like it could be either the beginning or the end of some sort of Israeli retaliation.”



He continued, “But the question is going to be whether or not these proxy groups like Hezbollah get involved. If that happens, in each case, in each of these countries, we’re at the precipice of war, of a massive conflagration that could really envelop the entire region, and take, not just Iran versus Israel, but countries like Lebanon, which is suffering…from a massive financial crisis for the past five years, countries like Yemen, Syria, all of these places that have had serious political instability and suffered from a lot of violence over the past couple of years. None of them, particularly not Lebanon, are ready for a new round of war. And that is what we’re facing right now. So, this could be a deeply, deeply destabilizing move by the Israelis, and again, not just for the Iranians, but for the entire region. And it could even draw in the United States.”



Bradley concluded that Hezbollah is “ready and willing to fight. We’re hearing a lot of bellicose language from a lot of different groups. So, this is a very, very dangerous situation.”


Video at link