Attack on Iran was a ‘declaration of war,’ Israeli president says – but insists ‘we seek peace’ | World news that attack on Iran was a ‘declaration of war’

“Last night we launched ballistic missiles, drones, cruise missiles and received proxy fire from all four corners of the Middle East,” Isaac Herzog told Sky News.

Israel’s president told Sky News that Iran’s attack on Israel was a “declaration of war.”

Isaac Herzog said, “It’s time for the world to confront this evil empire in Tehran.”

Herzog added that world leaders need to “make it clear” to the Iranian regime that its actions are “unacceptable.”

“We should take a sober look at the phenomenon called Tehran and Iran.”

The president insisted that Israel has not sought war since its founding in 1948.

“We are peace seekers. We have sought peace with our neighbors many times. Unfortunately, it all started with the incredibly brutal massacres committed by Iran’s proxy Hamas against the Israeli people. It started on October 7th when we led. The rest is history. ”We know that, so we should put that in perspective. ”

Follow the latest updates after Iran’s attack on Israel

He said Iran’s firing of more than 300 drones and missiles toward Israel on Saturday was “just one example of that.” [Tehran] It has been in operation for years and years. ”

“Last night we received proxy fire, ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles from all four corners of the Middle East,” he told Sky News’ Middle East correspondent. Alistair Vancal.

“This is like a real war. So this is a declaration of war,” he said, adding that Israel would then exercise restraint.

asked Whether or not he agrees with Western allies calling for calm, Herzog said, “The last thing Israel has wanted in this region since its founding is to go to war. We want peace.” .

But he said the Iranian government is “spreading chaos, terrorism and instability around the world, especially in our region.”

Iran has proxies throughout the Middle East and terrorist organizations around the world, Herzog continued.

analysis:
Will Israel allow Iranian attacks to go unpunished?Probably not
Will there be a full-scale war in the Middle East?

Damascus strike: “It wasn’t at the Iranian consulate”

IranThe Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the direct attack on Israel was in retaliation for the April 1 attack on the Iranian embassy’s consulate in Damascus.

The airstrike killed two generals and seven members of the Revolutionary Guards, and the Iranian government blamed it on Israel. Israel has not officially commented.

Herzog told Sky News that the strike took place “not inside the consulate” but in “another building near the consulate.”

He added that the most senior general who was assassinated was leading operations from Lebanon and Syria.

“There were daily terrorist attacks by the entire machine directed by Tehran,” he said.

Herzog said Israel’s “biggest problem” was the release of hostages still being held in Gaza.

“We want to get them back as soon as possible,” he said. “The entire world leadership is calling for it. But Hamas has categorically refused. Time and time again. That’s the real situation at hand.”

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Regarding the delivery of aid to Gaza, he said: “We have opened many crossings and corridors. We have also made it possible for huge amounts of aid to be dropped off by parachute and also delivered by sea and through land openings. I made it possible,” he said.

Following last night’s attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that 99% of Iranian missiles and drones had been intercepted.

“I’m glad to be part of an incredible coalition of nations that has been committed to stopping most of these missiles, drones, and weapons from entering Israel,” Herzog said. Ta.

IDF develops new attack and defense plans

It became clear Sunday night that Israel’s war cabinet supports retaliating against Iran, but is divided over the timing and scale of the response, officials said.

Also Sunday evening, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said plans for both offensive and defensive actions had been approved in response to the Iranian attack.

“Hamas and Iran want to provoke and escalate the Middle East.” [in] in the region,” he said, adding that the IDF remains “on high alert” and “evaluating the situation.”

He added: “Over the past two hours, we have approved both offensive and defensive operational plans.

“Together with our partners, we will continue to defend the State of Israel.”

Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, told Sky News that the US will definitely prevent Israel from continuing hostilities with Iran, adding that the IDF’s presence in Gaza shows it is incapable of confronting Iran. He claimed that

“If they can’t take over the tiny Gaza Strip, it doesn’t mean much for Gaza. [Israeli] Regime – Iran is the most important country in West Asia… [so] “If the Israeli regime chooses to continue this conflict, they will pay a heavy price,” he said.

“I think there are enough sensible people in Washington who recognize that.” [Israel would lose a confrontation with Iran], so I don’t think there will be a war. ”

Earlier, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Royal Air Force had shot down “a large number” of Iranian attack drones.

He said “additional aircraft” had been sent to the region as part of operations already underway in Iraq and Syria.

If Iran’s attack on Israel had been successful, “the impact on regional stability would be difficult to overstate,” Sunak added.

“This is a dangerous and unnecessary escalation, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

US military jet reportedly shoots down Iranian drone over northern skies Syria Too.