Iran Launches Missiles at Israel After Drone Attack

(ProsperNews.net) – Iran launched drone strikes against Israel on April 13, marking the first time the Islamic regime has directly attacked the Jewish state. Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, together with US and UK troops, shot down most of the drones and missiles, resulting in only minimum damage and no fatalities. The attack was retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed senior military figures.

Israel’s war cabinet met on April 15 as the US and UK urged restraint. An Israeli Defense Force (IDF) spokesperson later said the Jewish state would respond in due course but would not provide further details. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel had been expecting the assault, adding that his country is ready “for any scenario” and would defend itself against “any threat with coolness and determination.”

US lawmakers canceled discussions on several bills to refocus on America’s response. President Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu that US forces would not cooperate in retaliatory strikes, while House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a series of sanctions. In legislation placed before the House on April 15, Johnson said all loopholes in present Iranian sanctions must be closed and US-Iranian transactions prohibited. Furthermore, sanctions must be placed on China’s ability to purchase oil from the Islamic regime, Johnson said.

Under renewed pressure to pass a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, Mr. Johnson hinted that he would separate the bill, passed in the Senate in February, and allow Congress members to vote on Israeli aid without simultaneously sanctioning assistance to Ukraine. “We will let the House work its will,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Volodymr Zelenskyy warned of fresh Russian offensive operations as the weather warms. He said the conflict had significantly worsened, while Biden again called on the House to move quickly. “They have to do it now,” the President said. Donald Trump, however, has called for aid to Ukraine to be repackaged as loans.