Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) dismissed claims on Monday suggesting that the Iranian attack early Sunday morning had caused harm to Israel’s Nevatim Airbase, local media reported.
Earlier assertions by ABC News, citing an American source, indicated damage to the primary runway at the base, a C-130 transport aircraft, and various storage facilities on the base.
The attack, involving four Iranian ballistic missiles, marked the first-ever direct assault on Israel from Iranian soil, termed "Operation True Promise" by Tehran. It followed six months of Israeli assaults on Gaza, during which militant groups supported by Iran across the region escalated their attacks on Israel and its allies in what they called showing solidarity with Palestinians.
Iran deployed approximately 350 drones and missiles throughout the region during the weekend's attack.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian conveyed to ambassadors and diplomatic representatives in Tehran that the military operations against Israel were limited and targeted F-35 aircraft squadrons. He also condemned the Israeli strike on their consulate as a violation of international laws. Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president's deputy chief of staff for political affairs, emphasized that the "era of strategic patience is over," warning of a direct and punitive response to further targeting of Iranian personnel and assets.
Explosions reverberated in cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, during the assault. Air raid sirens sounded in over 720 areas as Israeli forces attempted to intercept the incoming projectiles.
According to Israel’s chief military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, Iran’s attack involved over 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and more than 30 cruise missiles, as reported by the Associated Press (AP). The Israeli army claimed to have intercepted approximately 99% of the launched drones and missiles.
Israel also stated that the majority of the projectiles were intercepted outside the country’s borders with assistance from the U.S., the U.K., and France.
Despite appeals for restraint from concerned world leaders, Israel's top military commander has asserted retaliation for the recent attack, addressing troops at the Nevatim airbase on Monday. Chief of Staff of Israeli Defense Forces Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated: "This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response.”
Following Hamas' Oct. 7 incursion, Israel initiated a vigorous military campaign in Gaza, resulting in a humanitarian crisis in the besieged city with severe shortages of food, medicines, and drinking water.
According to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory, Israel's attacks have claimed the lives of at least 33,797 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children.
