The Iranians had been in all probability attempting to overwhelm Israel’s “pretty good” defence system, together with the Iron Dome, “at least in some places”, after they launched their assault, Sky’s defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke says.
Israel’s military stated almost 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran on Tuesday evening. The navy stated there have been only a few accidents.
However Iran’s state TV has claimed 90% of the missiles hit their targets.
Prof Clarke stated the TV photos indicated a “fairly fierce, sort of missile, counter-missile battery battle” above Jerusalem and different cities.
Newest updates on Iranian assault
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Missiles rain down on Jerusalem
Israel’s airspace was closed following the assault however has since reopened.
The analyst stated the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is “wanting to create this sense that this is a one-off salvo – we’ve dealt with it”.
Despite the fact that Israel has reopened its airspace “that may change” if the Iranians then launch one thing else, he added.
Picture:
Rockets fly within the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel. Pic: Reuters
“If I was making decisions in Iran, I wouldn’t only launch one salvo. However, we’ll see what they do.”
“It’s possible that this [salvo] is the best they can do at the time.”
The assault, in retaliation for Israel’s marketing campaign in opposition to the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, marks a big escalation within the battle.
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Sky’s Safety and Defence editor Deborah Haynes needed to run for canopy close to the Israel-Lebanon border as missiles streaked throughout the sky.
Israel has vowed there might be penalties for the barrage of missiles – and Iran has already stated it can reply to any additional escalation.
Prof Clarke stated when Iran final attacked Israel on 13 April, greater than 300 projectiles had been fired, together with from completely different locations, together with Lebanon and southern Iraq. Most had been shot down.
However within the newest barrage “it looks as if this salvo has all come from Iran. And so it may be that this is the best they can do”.
“If this is the best they can do, then tomorrow Israel will chalk this up as yet another victory. Yes, another humiliation for Tehran.”
