Israel shoots down most of Iran's 300 drones, saying it 'foiled' retaliatory attack — as it happened (2024)

We're close to closing the blog for tonight, but here's what we know so far about the Iranian strike on Israel:

• Israel's military says Iran has launched more than 300 drones and missiles since Saturday night, describing many as being intercepted
• Iran warns against Israel retaliating, saying "our response will be much larger"
• An IDF base in southern Israel is among the infrastructure that has been damaged in the strike
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken to US President Joe Biden about Iran's escalation in hostilities
• Both the UN Security Council and G7 leaders are likely to meet Monday to discuss the escalating conflict

Thanks for joining us. We will be back to blog tomorrow.

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We delved into a few statements from world leaders earlier, but here are some more from those who have condemned Iran.

Japan:

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation," Japanese Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa says.

"We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation."

Finland:

Finland strongly condemns Iran’s reckless attack on Israel. It is now of utmost importance to de-escalate," Finnish Prime MinisterPetteri Orposays.

"Finland calls on all parties to show restraint."

Sweden:

Sweden strongly condemns Iran's attack on Israel," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says.

"This brings very serious consequences for an already deteriorating regional security situation.

"We are following the situation very closely."

Jordan and Iraq have reopened their airspace after closing it due to the Iranian strikes.

Jordan's state TV, citing aviation authorities, said the country had resumed air traffic operations.

The opening of its airspace came more than three hours earlier than scheduled.

Iraq's aviation authority said security risks had now been overcome.

The two nations followedIsrael's lead. It reopened its airspace earlier.

The Italian prime minister has called a video meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday local to discuss the Iranian attack, sources in the prime minister's office say.

Italy currently holds the rotating G7 presidency.

Iran has warned Israel against a retaliatory attack after its overnight drone and missile attack.

On Iranian state TV armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri added Washington had been urged not to back Israel.

"Our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran," Major General Mohammad Bagheri said.

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami also warned Tehran would retaliate against any Israeli attack on its interests or citizens.

Israel's chief military spokesperson Daniel Hagari says France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack on Israel.

"France has very good technology, jets, radar — and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace," he says.

Chinese state television CCTV is reporting the Chinese embassy in Iran has advised Chinese nationals and companies in Iran to strengthen security precautions.

Its foreign ministry spokesperson said the nation was calling "on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions".

Reporting by Reuters

It's now Sunday morning in Israel.

Here's a view of Jerusalem after the Iranian strikes:

Up in the sky, dozens of bright orange balls flew in an arc through the darkness.

It almost looked like a cluster of shooting stars, except they were much more dangerous and serious.

They were rockets and drones fired at Israel by Iran.

For days Middle East correspondent Allyson Hornand the ABC team had been preparing for an Iranian attack on Israel.

Here's her account of the attack:

Israel has now re-opened its airspace, the country's airports authority says.

It says flight schedules from Tel Aviv are expected to be affected by the previous closure and travellers should check flight times.

Here's some from Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

"The Iranian attack was foiled," he says.

He adds Israel is considering "follow-up" options.

Earlier, we heard the US navy helped shoot down a number of Iranian missiles from Israel.

Now US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has confirmed US forces intercepted "dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel".

He says they were launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

"Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability," Mr Austin said in a statement.

He adds the US does not "seek conflict in Iran" but would not hesitate to "protect our forces and support the defense of Israel."

"I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to consult with our allies and partners," he says.

Israel's chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel.

This number previously was previously estimated to be more than 200.

Rear Admiral Hagari says, during the televised briefing, 99 per cent of those weapons were shot down.

He adds Iran's "very grave" actions "push the region toward escalation".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has posted a brief signal of defiance in the wake of the Iranian attack.

"We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," he says on social media platform X in Hebrew.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah says it's launched a fresh barrage of rockets towards the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has regularly traded cross-border fire with Israel since the start of the war in Gaza.

In a statement, the militant group says it launched "dozens of Katyusha rockets" at three Israeli military positions in the Golan.

Israel's military says it hasattacked Hezbollah compounds in the southern Lebanese areas of Al-Khyam and Kafr Kila.

It is not known if this is in response to Hezbollah's latest rocket launch.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has commented on the Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel, without going as far as condemning Iran.

In a statement posted on social media platform X,Gil said peace in the Middle East could only be guaranteed once justice and international law were re-established.

"As a result of the genocide in Palestine and the irrationality of the Israeli regime as well as the inaction of the United Nations, the situation of instability in the region has worsened dramatically in recent weeks," he said.

"Venezuela advocates the construction of peace with justice as most countries in the world want."

Venezuela is an ally of Iran along with China and Russia.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has added to the PM's earlier comments, calling Iran's "escalation" and a "grave threat to the security of Israel and the entire region".

"It risks greater instability and devastation across the Middle East," she says

"Anyone who cares for the protection of innocent life must stand against these attacks."

The US assisted Israel in shooting down dozens of Iranian missiles, US sources have disclosed to Reuters.

Two of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of the missiles were shot down by the US Navy.

Reuters has shared video of an Iranian state TV anchor praising the country's attack on Israel, claiming it will impact the whole region.

"Analysts have said that Iran is the only country that has changed the region's equation in a few minutes," the IRINN channel anchor said during its live coverage.