UPDATED: Benjamin Netanyahu: ‘Whoever harms us, we will harm them’
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released the following statement on Saturday evening amid Iran’s launch of drones towards Israel:
“In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran.
Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.
We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.
We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.
Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command.
Together we will stand and with God’s help – together we will overcome all of our enemies.”
Joe Biden being ‘regularly updated’ on Iran attack
Joe Biden is being “regularly updated” on the drone attack launched by Iran, the White House has said.
The US president has cut his weekend trip to Delaware short to fly back to Washington this evening.
Once he lands, he will meet national security officials and members of his cabinet at the White House.
Yesterday, Mr Biden warned Iran against retaliation, even while predicting an attack may be imminent.
“We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” he said.
Iran supreme leader Ali Khamenei: ‘The malicious Zionist regime will be punished’
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has vowed that Israel’s “malicious Zionist regime will be punished” following Iran’s launch of drone attacks against Israel.
“The malicious regime itself, which is all malice, evil and error, added another mistake to its own errors by launching an attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria.
The consulate and embassy offices in any country where they exist are regarded as the soil of the country to which the embassy belongs. Attacking our consulate is like attacking our soil …
The malicious regime has made a wrong move in this case. It should be punished and it will be punished.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the UN says on X that its drone and missile attack on Israel was conducted “on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense”, and in response to Israel’s April 1 attack on its embassy in Damascus, Syria.
With the attack, “The matter can be deemed concluded”, says Iran.
“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY,” it added.
Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…
— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024
Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convening the War Cabinet, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv after Iran launched an attack on Israel. Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.
