Gallant: The IDF rules the skies of the Middle East

Gallant updated the number of aerial threats used on Saturday to 500 and said that Iran failed in its attack.

 Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attends a state ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers whose burial place is unknown at Mount Herzl Military cemetery in Jerusalem on March 17, 2024 (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attends a state ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers whose burial place is unknown at Mount Herzl Military cemetery in Jerusalem on March 17, 2024
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed on Tuesday that Israel was actually attacked by over 500 aerial threats this past Sunday morning when taking into account both Iran and its proxies.

Until now, the IDF and other officials had spoken of between 300-350 aerial threats from Iran, including around 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and 30 cruise missiles.

However, Hezbollah also participated with rocket fire, and Yemen, Syria, and Iraqi militia groups also likely participated.

 Crews work on an Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle in a hangar, said to be following an interception mission of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel, in this handout image released April 14, 2024. (credit: Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS)
Crews work on an Israeli Air Force F-15 Eagle in a hangar, said to be following an interception mission of an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel, in this handout image released April 14, 2024. (credit: Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS)

Gallant: the Iranians failed to deter Israel

Gallant's statement is the first public indication to quantify the extensive participation of Iran's proxy groups along with the massive direct attack.

He said, "The Iranians failed in their attack and they will fail to deter Israel. The skies of the Middle East are wide open for the [Israeli] air force. Every enemy that comes after us will be struck wherever they may be."