Israel and the US intercepted nearly all of an Iranian barrage of some 300 drones and missiles over Israel and the West Bank overnight, Israeli officials said Sunday in what President Biden reportedly called a win in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
It was the first time in history Iran has launched a widescale direct military attack from its soil on Israel.
Tehran continued to make threats Sunday against Israel and its allies, warning of an even "stronger and more resolute" response if Israel continues "military aggression" — or if Israel or the U.S. retaliates for the attack.
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also warned on Sunday that the confrontation is "not over."
Biden told Netanyahu in a phone call that the confrontation demonstrated Israel's military superiority and was a win for the nation because nothing of "value" was hit, a White House official told CNN.
Biden also reportedly made clear to Netanyahu that the U.S. will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran.
More than 99 percent of the missiles and drones were intercepted, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari. The few that fell inside Israel caused minor damage to a military base and seriously injuring a young girl, Hagari said.
The U.S. and its Western alllies are now discussing next steps.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Sunday that U.S. officials "will be consulting with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the hours and days ahead."
He added: "The United States condemns Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms. While we do not seek escalation, we will continue to support Israel's defense, and as the President made clear, we will defend U.S. personnel."
According to reports from Israeli military officials more than 300 projectiles — including approximately 170 drones and more than 120 ballistic missiles — were fired toward Israel in the aerial attack overnight.
Almost all were intercepted by Israel's aerial defense systems and its "partners," including the U.S., officials noted.
"U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region," a U.S. military official said in a statement.
The Iranian attack was launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month that killed 13 people.
An attack on Israel by Iran had been expected by the nation and its allies over the weekend.
