After the Iranian attack on Israel, fears of an escalation are growing. More information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Iran attacked Israel with drones and missiles last night. Israel has now given the all-clear. You can find an overview here. In this news blog you can read the latest developments:
US circles: USA and Iran were in contact before attack
8:09 p.m.: According to an insider, the USA was in contact with the government in Tehran through Swiss mediators before and after the Iranian attack. The senior US government official did not provide details, but spoke of a “series of direct communications.” The insider also rejects Iran’s claim that states in the region were contacted 72 hours before the attack. “They gave no indication. They clearly intended to cause destruction and casualties.”
Israel approves “offensive and defensive measures”
7:53 p.m.: At the end of the war cabinet meeting, army spokesman Daniel Hagaris announced that defensive measures were planned after Iran’s attack. As Sky News reports, according to Hagaris, the cabinet has “approved operational plans for offensive and defensive measures.”
“We will continue to protect the State of Israel and work with our partners to create a safer and more stable future for the entire Middle East.” The IDF spokesman did not provide any further information about the approved plans.
Herzog: Iran’s attack was a “declaration of war”
7:38 p.m.: Israeli President Izchak Herzog sees Iran’s attack against Israel as a “declaration of war.” He says this in an interview with Sky News. Israel is “considering all options” to respond.
“This is a declaration of war,” he said of the attack. “Because we are cautious, because we know the implications and because we consult with our partners, we are considering all options and I am very confident that we will take the necessary steps to protect and defend our people. We are no warmongers.”
He added that last night’s attack was “just another example” of how Iran was acting “by spreading chaos, terror and instability around the world.” And further: “It is time for the world to stand up to this evil empire in Tehran and make it clear to the Iranian regime that this cannot go ahead, that this is unacceptable.”
US Republicans: Want to pass new Israel aid this week
7:35 p.m.: The President of the US House of Representatives wants to launch billions in aid for Israel in the new week. “We’ll try again this week,” Republican Mike Johnson told Fox News. He does not say whether aid for Ukraine should also be addressed.
Russia and Iran warn of further escalation
7:12 p.m.: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warn of escalation and “provocative actions”. These could increase tensions in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said after a telephone conversation between the two men. The priority for the UN Security Council must be to prevent such scenarios and “eliminate their root causes.” The Security Council is scheduled to meet in the afternoon (US East Coast local time; late evening CEST).
Israel calls up reservists for Gaza mission
7:10 p.m.: The Israeli military announces the call-up of reservists for deployment in the Gaza Strip. Around two divisions were affected, it said in a statement, citing an “assessment of the situation”. Israel recently withdrew some soldiers from Palestinian territory.
GZ condemn Iran’s attack
5:46 p.m.: The G7 countries condemned Iran’s attack in a telephone conversation. As EU Council President Charles Michel announced, the G7 is calling for “restraint”. “We will continue all our efforts to de-escalate. Ending the crisis in the Gaza Strip as quickly as possible, especially through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference,” he writes on X. The situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon, should be discussed next week be discussed at the meeting of the European Council.
