Israel-Hamas war: What happened on day 189?

Iran launched hundreds of drones directly from its territory against Israel on Saturday night, in a radical change from its usual use of proxies, the IDF has confirmed.

Iran has confirmed as well that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun its missile and drone attack against Israel.

The IDF said that it is ready to shoot them down, though air defense is not hermetic.

Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze UAV over Iraq at very low altitude, heading to Israel. pic.twitter.com/HpWeqXMMep

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 13, 2024

The IDF's shoot-down capabilities include aircraft, Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the Arrow missile system.

New York City "unequivocally stands with the State of Israel" in the face of this direct attack and escalation by Iran, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement on Saturday night. 

Adams said he's been briefed on the unfolding situation. 

Adams reiterated there is no direct or imminent threat to New York City at this time. 

“As mayor of the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, the significance of this attack for Jewish New Yorkers — many of whom have family in Israel right now — is not lost on me, especially less than 10 days before Passover begins," Adams said. 

“Our intelligence and counterterrorism teams will continue to closely monitor the situation," he said. 

The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed its "deep concern" regarding what it called "the developments of the military escalation in the region" after the Iranian attack on Saturday night.

The Foreign Ministry called on "all parties to exercise the utmost levels of restraint and spare the region and its peoples from the dangers of war."

The Ministry also called on the UN Security Council to "assume its responsibility towards maintaining international peace and security," although it did not clarify what action the UNSC should take or who it should be directed against.

The Republican-led Congress will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Ian and its proxies accountable, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said Saturday night on X. 

"The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack," Scalise said. 

More details on the legislative items to be considered are to come, Scalise said. 

Iran warned the United States not to respond to its attack on Israel, as the confrontation between the two-arch foes spilled over into the region and US President Joe Biden held consultations in Washington.

This “is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!” Iran’s mission to the UN in New York stated in a post on X early Sunday morning.

It justified its launch of a drone and missile attack on Israel as an act of self-defense permissible under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

“Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus,” it wrote, as it referred to the April 1 strike that killed seven of its military officials.

“The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,” it stated.

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS)

According to Channel 12, an Israeli official has already said that there will be a significant response to Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.

Israel working with coalition of military forces

Iran spoke out as Israel worked with a coalition of military forces including from the US, Jordan, and British armies to thwart the Iranian drone attack.

US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel, according to a US military official. 

"Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region," according to the official. 

US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel, according to a US military official. 

"Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region," according to the official. 

Earlier Tehran warned it would firmly respond to any country that "opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel,” according to the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency. 

The British Ministry of Defense said that the country’s Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East "will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required" after Iran targeted Israel with drones and missiles.

"In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks," the statement added.

Iran also focused specifically on Jordan. Iran is watching Jordan for any moves in support of Israel during Tehran's retaliatory attacks, warning the country may become the "next target," a military source told the semi-official news agency Fars on Sunday.

"A military-informed source said (we) are closely monitoring Jordan's movements during the punitive attacks ... and if they participate in any possible action (to back Israel), they will be the next target," Fars reported.

Jordanian jets downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading to Israel, two regional security sources said.

The sources said the drones were brought down in the air on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley and were heading in the direction of Jerusalem. Others were intercepted close to the Iraqi-Syrian border. They gave no further details.

Jordan’s military has been in a state of high alert and radar systems were monitoring any drone activity coming from the direction of Iraq and Syria.

Residents in several cities in the northern part of the country near Syria and central and southern areas heard heavy aerial activity. A security source said the country's air force was intensifying reconnaissance flights.

Jordan had earlier said it closed its airspace starting on Saturday night to all incoming, departing, and transiting aircraft in what officials told Reuters were precautionary measures in the event of an Iranian strike across its border.

Jordan neighbors Syria and Iraq – both countries where Iranian proxy forces operate – and also sits next door to Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Egyptian foreign ministry, in a statement early on Sunday, called for the exercise of the "utmost restraint" to spare the region and its people from further factors of instability and tension.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran's "reckless" attack against Israel, which he said showed that it was "intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard."

"These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," Sunak said in a statement.

"The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.”

French Foreign Minister Stephane Séjourné posted on X that his country "strongly condemns the attack launched by Iran against Israel.

“Its decision to take such an unprecedented action is another step up by Iran in its destabilizing actions, and it risks a military escalation.

France reaffirms its attachment to Israel's security, and assures it that it will stand by its side,” he stated.

At the White House US President Joe Biden was expected to meet with the National Security Council. Among the participants will be US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary Antony Blinken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, CIA Director Bill Burns, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said "Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House. His team is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies. 

"Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,' she stated.

President Joe Biden posted a picture of him meeting with his national security team at the White House on X. 

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden posted.

Members of Congress across the aisle are expressing support for Israel as Iran launched its first wave of ballistic missiles at Jewish state. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a longtime supporter of Israel who created division across the Jewish community last month when calling for elections in Israel to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the US will do everything to support Israel's defense against Iran. 

As Israel is under attack from Iran, we stand with Israel and its people, and the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 13, 2024

Roger Wicker, the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said this is the moment for the US to show it stands together with its allies. 

Drones are seen at a site at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on April 20, 2023. (credit: IRANIAN ARMY/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

"Our shared enemies, including Iran and their proxies, need to know our commitment is unwavering," Wicker said in a statement. "We must join with Israel to ensure that Iran’s aggression is met with resolute action and resounding strength.”

Comments from additional members of Congress

Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz (D-FL) said President Biden warned Iran not to escalate its terrorism against Israel. 

"He’s shown his ironclad support for Israel and committed to defend its people from Iranian attacks. I stand with Israel and thank our Commander-In-Chief for backing up words with action to counter malign threats in the Middle East," Wasserman-Shulz said.

President Biden warned Iran not to escalate its terrorism against Israel. He’s shown his ironclad support for Israel and committed to defend its people from Iranian attacks. I stand with Israel and thank our Commander-In-Chief for backing up words with action to counter malign…

— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) April 13, 2024

Michigan Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens said "President Biden has made clear our steadfast commitment to stand by the Israeli people in their hour of need. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for all those in the region."

Reports indicate Iran has launched an attack on Israel. President Biden has made clear our steadfast commitment to stand by the Israeli people in their hour of need. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for all those in the region.

— Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) April 13, 2024

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) reiterated that "America unequivocally stands with Israel and we will always support its right to defend itself from Iranian aggression."

Rosen said she's monitoring the developing situation and will work to ensure Israel has everything it needs to protect itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies.

America unequivocally stands with Israel & we will always support its right to defend itself from Iranian aggression. I’m monitoring this developing situation and will work to ensure Israel has everything it needs to protect itself against Iran & its terrorist proxies.

— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) April 13, 2024

New York Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres said Iran is the single most destabilizing force in the Middle East. 

Torres said Iran must be held accountable for the aggression it has long shown toward Israel directly and also indirectly through proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

Iran has fired drones at Israel. The United States will stand with Israel as it seeks to defend itself in the face of an Iranian attack.

Iran is the single most destabilizing force in the Middle East. It must be held accountable for the aggression it has long shown toward…

— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) April 13, 2024

Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat from Florida, said the US-Israel relationship is ironclad. 

"Iran’s attacks underscore the urgent need to pass vital supplemental security assistance to Israel immediately," Frankel said on X.  "As President Biden has said, the United States will stand with Israel and support their defense against Iranian attacks."

The U.S.-Israel relationship is ironclad. As President Biden has said, the United States will stand with Israel and support their defense against Iranian attacks.

— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) April 13, 2024

Iran’s attacks underscore the urgent need to pass vital supplemental security assistance to Israel immediately.

— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) April 13, 2024

Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) served in both the US military and the IDF. He's a strong supporter of Israel and has been highly critical of President Biden's handling of the war since October 7. 

"Iran just launched drone strikes at innocent Israeli civilians. This is a direct result of Joe Biden’s lack of leadership," Mast said on X.

Iran just launched drone strikes at innocent Israeli civilians. This is a direct result of Joe Biden’s lack of leadership.

The White House should be standing resolutely with Israel. Instead, they’ve spent months kissing up to the terrorist regime in Tehran to appease a few…

— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) April 13, 2024

"The White House should be standing resolutely with Israel. Instead, they’ve spent months kissing up to the terrorist regime in Tehran to appease a few loud, far-left, and anti-American lawmakers in Congress."

Media in the Middle East have focused on the Iranian attack on Israel that began on April 13 and continued throughout the night. This is a historic evening in the region and the media of Iran as well as many countries in the region feel they are witnessing history. Iran’s pro-government media announced a drone and missile attack on Israel.

Tasnim news said “in this attack, a combination of hundreds of drones and a large number of missiles of different types have been used. More importantly, this attack did not come from Iran only, and this regime is being punished from four directions.” Iran claimed that it attacked Israel from Yemen, from Lebanon and Iraq, as well as from Iran itself.

Fars News in Iran noted that the “lslamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced in a statement on Sunday it has launched massive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories in response to the Zionist regime’s terror attack against Tehran’s diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital Damascus which resulted in martydom of seven military advisors.”

Tasnim News in Iran called the attack “massive” and also said it involved drones and missiles.  Tasnim also said that the missiles “hit targets” in Israel. However there was no evidence of this when Tasnim initially reported it. The report also claimed Hezbollah carried out an attack with dozens of missiles.

 Al-Ain media in the UAE covered the Iranian attack with numerous articles. It wrote about how Israel might respond. The report wondered whether Israel would actually respond to the attack and noted Israel had scrambled aircraft and air defenses in response. Al-Ain also quoted Israeli media and noted that Iran had launched drones in an attack. The reports also covered the fact Israel had closed schools and cancelled large gatherings. These reports illustrated how interesting

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits the military equipment of IRGC Navy in Bandar Abbas, Iran, February 2, 2024. (credit: IRAN'S PRESIDENCY/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY)/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Al-Arabiya focused on how Jordan had closed its airspace and how the US was backing Israel. It also noted that Israel was ready for any scenario and that Iran had threatened countries that might aid Israel.

Regional countries are watching closely

Overall the coverage of the attack illustrates that regional countries are watching closely how Israel might respond and they are also watching which countries will back Israel. This could be a watershed moment in the region and many countries want to make sure they are on the right side of history.

Iran has been seeking to try to isolate Israel and use the October 7 attack as a gamechanger to advance a kind of new world order in which Iran, Russia, China, Hamas and other fellow travelers, such as backers of Hamas in Turkey and Qatar, may work together.

On the other hand countries that have peace with Israel such as Jordan, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain are watching closely what happens next as well. Iran wants to show it can attack Israel and get away with it, but Iran is also cognizant of its image in the region and wants to make sure it has warned other countries sufficiently. 

US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel, according to a US military official. 

"Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region," according to the official. 

Ofir Gendelman, the prime minister's spokesperson to Arabic media, warned that Israel's response to the Iranian attack will be "firm and clear."

A ten-year-old boy from a Bedouin village near Arad was seriously wounded by the Iranian attack, according to Magen David Adom.