Israel Acknowledges Downing of Drones Over Iran Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli sources have confirmed that several of their drones were targeted and shot down over Iran. The Times of Israel, citing military officials, reported that between 10 to 20 Israeli drones were downed over Iran during the ongoing conflict. Concurrently, the Israeli publication Haaretz reported on Iranian missile launches targeting occupied territories and the resulting damage.
The Israeli newspaper Maariv noted a significant discrepancy between official reports and the reality on the ground in Iran, stating, “They are deceiving us; there is a frightening gap between the reports and the reality in Iran.” The newspaper highlighted the ‘Or Eitan’ laser system, suggesting it is not functioning effectively for targeting, despite official silence from the military and manufacturers. Maariv also editorialized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conduct is a primary cause of “unprecedented collapse” in relations with the United States, a situation that could soon place Israel in “existential danger.”
Meanwhile, rocket attacks have continued. News sources reported that a rocket strike on the town of Kiryat Shmona in the northern occupied Palestinian territories has created an atmosphere of fear. Air raid sirens also sounded across central occupied territories, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas following the detection of multiple rockets in the skies. Israeli media reported successive activations of air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and central occupied territories on the previous evening.
John Bolton, former National Security Advisor to the White House, expressed satisfaction with the resignation of Joe Kent, a senior counter-terrorism official in the Trump administration, who resigned in protest of the war with Iran. Bolton suggested that Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, should follow her former colleague’s example, stating on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” “I was pleased with Kent’s resignation. I hope Tulsi Gabbard resigns soon after him. If you don’t believe in the administration’s policies, you should resign.” He emphasized that this resignation demonstrates divisions within the upper echelons of the Trump administration.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region. He observed that Iran is seeking to prolong the conflict and inflict maximum damage, while Israel aims to destroy Iran’s military capabilities and regime. Guterres described attacks on energy infrastructure as war crimes and stated that the key to resolving the crisis lies with the United States declaring its mission complete. “The war must stop very urgently,” Guterres stressed, adding that “the cessation of war is in America’s hands. Action must be taken to end the war.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at an Eid al-Fitr ceremony, stated that the Islamic world is suffering from very dangerous problems. “It is quite evident that the Middle East is inflamed, and we continue to witness war casualties and wounded. We ask God to protect us from the evil of the Zionists as soon as possible,” he said. Erdoğan emphasized the need for unity and solidarity within the Islamic world, asserting that Israel, responsible for killing hundreds and thousands of people, will face consequences.
Israeli media reported that a total of 13,544 compensation claims have been filed with relevant authorities since the start of the war against Iran. This figure underscores the extensive damage sustained across various sectors in the occupied territories due to continuous missile and drone attacks, imposing a significant financial burden on Tel Aviv’s economy.
Reuters reported that Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was targeted by a drone attack, though the news agency did not specify the type or origin of the strike.
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that France will not participate in any military action to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to BFMTV, Macron stated that Paris is consulting with international allies, particularly members of the UN Security Council, on establishing an international framework to address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron also expressed hope that weapons will fall silent as the region observes religious holidays, creating an opportunity for a negotiated solution and a ceasefire agreement in the coming days.
Hezbollah announced that it has targeted the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona for the seventh time with missile attacks. The resistance fighters also struck the Hermon military headquarters and concentrations of Israeli army personnel and equipment in the Jdeideh Marjayoun border area with multiple rockets. Over the past two days, Hezbollah reported detonating several explosive devices on the path of an Israeli army bulldozer in the Taybeh Project area and at a gathering of enemy soldiers in the town of Aitaroun. Concurrently, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that missile fragments caused a fire at a train operational and repair complex in northern occupied Palestine. The Israeli Home Front Command also announced the activation of air raid sirens in the Rosh HaNikra area and several settlements in the Western Galilee, indicating ongoing rocket attacks from Lebanon.
