NewsRussia Calls for Restraint After Overnight Iran-Israel Clash

Russia Calls for Restraint After Overnight Iran-Israel Clash

Attack on Israel. Russia reacts: "We appeal to everyone"
Attack on Israel. Russia reacts: "We appeal to everyone"
Images source: © East News | MAXIM SHIPENKOV

9:03 AM EDT, April 14, 2024, updated: 10:27 AM EDT, April 14, 2024

The Foreign Ministry in Moscow urged all sides involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint on Sunday. This appeal came several hours after Iran's overnight offensive on Israel.

Iran targeted Israel with over 300 drones and missiles overnight, of which 99% were successfully intercepted—a fact the Israeli military heralded as a "significant strategic success" on Sunday morning. The assault spanned five hours.

Although Russia reacted to Iran’s strike, its official statement wasn’t released until Sunday afternoon, quite a bit after the Iranian assault had concluded. Moscow’s call for restraint highlighted the ongoing tensions in the Middle East conflict.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated they are "extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region. The lack of resolution to numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, lead to growth in instability".

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Russia also hoped the region's countries would address their disputes through diplomatic and political endeavours. Their statement noted that they see the crucial role of constructive international engagement.

It's important to note that Iran has been supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, supplying weaponry, including Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.

Israeli Prime Minister addresses the nation

Following reports of Iran's kamikaze drone launch towards Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, proclaiming, "Together we will stand and with G-d's help – together we will overcome all of our enemies".

"Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran. Our defense systems are deployed," declared Netanyahu.

He highlighted the readiness of the Israeli military for any outcome, "Defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong." He thanked the US, the UK, France, and other allies for their support.

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