The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) displayed the remains of an Iranian ballistic missile that was intercepted over Israel during the Iranian attack on the country last Sunday.
The Emad missile, an Iranian-designed medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), is equipped with a 500-kilogram (1,100-lb.) warhead, according to IDF.
Indeed, during the interception of the Emad missile by the long-range Arrow air defense system, only the fuel tank of the missile was successfully recovered. As the warhead and engine were destroyed in the process.
NEW: 🇮🇱🇮🇷 IDF shows remains of one of the intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles. This is 70% of it. pic.twitter.com/ynGwsvvFrL
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) April 16, 2024
Indeed, the remains of the missile’s fuel tank, measuring 11 meters (36 feet) long, constitute just 70 percent of the entire projectile.
The massive missile, one of 120 ballistic missiles fired at Israel, was discovered floating in the Dead Sea on Sunday morning. Remarkably, it had traveled over 1,500 kilometers from Iran to Israel in approximately 12 minutes.”
As Stated by the IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari: “Iran was well aware that launching over 110 ballistic missiles, in addition to cruise missiles, rockets, and drones, constituted a significant escalation in the region—a perilous move.”
Hagari stated, “We will respond in the manner of our choosing, at the time we deem appropriate,”
“Our capabilities extend beyond defense, as demonstrated on Saturday night. We possess offensive capabilities and will act decisively when necessary.”
“When I first saw images on Sunday circulating on social media I thought they were fake,” he said. “There is nothing fake about this, or the threat it posed.”
In response to an April 1 strike on a building within its embassy compound in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several commanders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran carried out an unprecedented direct attack on Israel.
The attack occurred on Saturday night and early Sunday, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
The majority of the projectiles were thwarted before reaching Israel, thanks to assistance from the US, Jordan, and other allies. The only reported injury occurred when a Bedouin girl was struck and seriously wounded by falling shrapnel in the Negev desert.
Although the IAF’s southern Nevatim base sustained minor infrastructure damage, it remained operational throughout the attack.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant clarified that Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, firing over 500 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with attack drones.
Despite this massive barrage, less than 1% of the incoming missiles and drones managed to reach their targets inside Israel. Only four ballistic missiles made it through defenses, and none of the cruise missiles or drones succeeded in reaching Israeli territory.
Iran’s missile and drone attack on the country earlier this week “failed” and “they will fail to deter Israel,” Gallant said to troops in northern Israel.
“The Iranians will not be able to implement a different equation of deterrence against the State of Israel,” he said. “The Air Force planes are operating everywhere, the skies of the Middle East are open. Any enemy that will fight against us, we will know how to hit it wherever they are.”
Western powers are indeed concerned about the potential consequences of an Israeli retaliation. Following Iran’s unprecedented weekend bombardment, the United States and European allies have intensified efforts to urge Israel to exercise restraint.
US and European allies have been urging Israel to exercise restraint in responding militarily to Iran’s recent attacks. In return, they have promised to impose stringent sanctions on Tehran’s oil sales and its capacity to develop attack drones.
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