Compiled by Aidan New
Before Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, it targeted Israel on April 13 and 14, 2024, with a series of missiles and drones, escalating regional tensions and prompting a comprehensive response from the Israel Defense Forces, neighboring Arab states, and allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom and France. The massive April assault marked the first time that Iran launched an offensive attack on Israel from its own territory. Israel’s moderate response, striking a military site near an Iranian nuclear installation, prevented the situation from expanding into an all-out regional war at the time.
Iran Launched 300 Drones and Missiles on April 13
Iran, along with several of its regional proxies, unleashed a barrage of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones on Israel, targeting both military sites and civilian infrastructure. With assistance from Western allies, Jordan and other Arab states, Israel shot down most of the projectiles and drones.
More on the Iranian attack:
- https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/the-iranian-attack-real-time-updates/
- https://israel-alma.org/2024/04/16/opinion-a-turning-point-for-israel-and-the-middle-east/
Iran Cited the Assassination of a General
An Israeli drone strike April 1, 2024, killed Iranian General Mohammad Reza Zahedi in a building connected to an Iranian diplomatic site in Damascus. Zahedi coordinated Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah. Iran said its direct attack on Israel was retaliation for Zahedi’s killing.
- Who was General Mohammad Reza Zahedi? https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/mohammad-reza-zahedi-who-was-the-iranian-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-strike-in-syria
International Effects of the Attack
Iran’s April attack incorporated several components and had significant regional consequences, including more direct U.S. involvement in the Middle East. Iran also endangered Islamic holy sites in its attack. Further analysis on the consequences of Iran’s attack:
- https://jcpa.org/how-the-failed-iranian-attack-benefitted-israel
- https://jstribune.com/charai-irans-attack-requires-a-broad-response
Conclusion
The attacks by Iran on April 13-14, 2024, were unprecedented and reminded the region and the world that Iran could strike Israeli territory at any moment. The coordinated response by Israel and allies within and beyond the Middle East provided deterrence to further aggression by Iran.