Why Iran attacked Israel and what might happen next

William Mata15 April 2024

Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel on Saturday night - with defence forces claiming to have shot down 99 per cent of the objects. 

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Iran launched more than 300 “threats of various types” toward Israel, including ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles.

“We have intercepted 99 per cent of threats towards Israeli territory. This is a very important strategic achievement,” Adraee said.

The RAF has confirmed some of its jets were used to shoot down Iranian drones with Rishi Sunak joining other world leaders in condemning Tehran’s action. 

Minor damage was caused to Israel’s military operations and according to Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, “very little” damage was caused. 

Israel has threatened to strike back while Iran has pledged further retaliation if that becomes the case which has led to fears the situation could escalate. 

The action has all stemmed from the initial Hamas assault on Israel on October 7 which led to the conflict.

So far, 33,729 Palestinians have died in the six months while 1,139 Israeli’s have died.

Iran said it took the action after the strike on the consulate in Damascus
REUTERS

Why did Iran attack Israel? 

The Islamic Republic carried out its first ever direct attack on the Jewish state in response to a suspected air strike on its Damascus consulate.

The attack on April 1 killed two generals and six officers in Syria. In response Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the country “must be punished and it shall be”.

The attack has been decried by Israel and its allies, including the UK and US, but Palestine militant group Hamas supported it and there were celebrations at Iran’s London embassy.

Joe Biden discusses his options with his top team
AP

What might happen now? 

Israel's Channel 12 TV cited an unnamed Israeli official as saying there would be a "significant response" to the attack.

Iranian commanders warned Israel on Sunday that the country would face a bigger attack if it retaliates against overnight drone and missile strikes.

The deepening crisis has stoked fears of a greater conflict in the region and US President Joe Biden has cut short a weekend break to summon a gathering with G7 leaders. 

UN secretary general António Guterres said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. 

“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Russia also said on Sunday it was extremely concerned.

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday.

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