Biden Gathers G7 Leaders: Iran Launches Over 300 Rockets and Drones at Israel Overnight
US President Joe Biden has condemned Iran and its affiliated forces in other countries for conducting a large-scale rocket and air attack against Israel, during which over 300 rockets and kamikaze drones were launched. He also announced plans to discuss a collective response with G7 leaders at a meeting on Sunday. This was stated in an official statement released by the White House.
"I just spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America's steadfast commitment to Israel's security. I told him that Israel has demonstrated remarkable resilience in defending itself and repelling even unprecedented attacks, sending a clear signal to its enemies that they cannot effectively threaten Israel's security," said the US President.
Joe Biden also noted that US forces provided substantial assistance to Israel in repelling the Iranian aerial attack.
"At my direction, in support of Israel's defence, US military personnel deployed aircraft and missile defence destroyers to the region over the past week. Through this deployment and the exceptional skill of our service members, we helped Israel intercept nearly all incoming drones and rockets," said the American President.
Joe Biden, along with G7 partners, will also discuss a diplomatic response to Iran's actions.
"Tomorrow, I will convene my G7 counterparts to coordinate a joint diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack. My team will work closely with colleagues across the region. And we will maintain close communication with Israel's leaders," noted the US President.
Recall that overnight on April 14, Iran and its proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria launched a massive rocket and air strike on Israeli territory. According to Israeli and American media reports, over 170 kamikaze drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 "surface-to-surface" ballistic missiles were fired at targets in Israel. According to the IDF, 99% of the aerial targets were intercepted by air defence forces.
According to Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson Daniel Hageri, no drones or cruise missiles reached Israeli airspace.
"Iran thought it could paralyse the base and thereby harm our air capabilities, but it failed. Air Force planes continue to take off and land from the base for offensive and defensive missions, including 'Adir' (F-35) aircraft, which are now returning from a defensive mission at the base, and soon you will see them landing," said Hageri.
Currently, it is reported that Israel has reopened its airspace for civilian aviation, which was closed shortly before the start of the Iranian attack.