Iran unleashes over 300 drones on Israel; defense system 99% effective

Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight, successfully intercepted by Israel's defence systems at a rate of 99%, marking a "significant strategic success," announced the Israeli military on Sunday morning.

Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, stated the armed forces are fully prepared and considering further action. Hagari described Iran's actions as "very serious," warning that they escalate tensions in the region. "Israel and its allies have thwarted the Iranian attack," he underscored.

On Saturday, Iran launched a significant number of drones and, it claims, ballistic missiles at Israel. This direct assault is unprecedented and might significantly escalate tensions following six months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. The US has pledged its support for Israel.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of Iran's armed forces, called the strike a response to the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the death of several Iranian officers, for which Iran holds Israel responsible.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a war cabinet meeting. In a recorded address, he assured the public that Israel was prepared for a confrontation with Iran and would retaliate. "Whoever hurts us, we hurt him," he stated.

Following the attack, Israel implemented several precautionary measures, including the cancellation of school classes, a ban on gatherings exceeding a thousand people, closure of airspace, and the suspension of all commercial flights.

The US has acknowledged Iran's commencement of hostilities towards Israel. According to the White House statement, The United States will help Israel defend itself. They also noted the Iranian offensive could persist for hours.