Moscow calls for restraint after Iran's overnight assault on Israel
The Foreign Ministry in Moscow called on Sunday for restraint from all parties involved in the conflict in the Middle East. The statement was issued many hours after Iran's overnight attack on Israel.
Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight, of which 99% were intercepted, marking a "significant strategic success", announced the Israeli military on Sunday morning. The attack lasted five hours.
Russia has responded to Iran's strike already. However, their statement wasn't issued until Sunday afternoon, thus many hours after the Iranian attack's conclusion. Moscow urged restraint from the parties involved in the Middle East conflict.
Russian Foreign Ministry conveyed "extreme concern over the latest dangerous escalation in the region. The lack of resolution to numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, lead to growth in instability".
Russia also hopes the countries in the region "resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means". "We believe it is important for the constructively-minded international players to contribute to this effort," reads the statement.
It’s important to note that Iran supports Russia in the war in Ukraine by supplying it with weapons, especially Shahed drones, but also ballistic missiles.
Israeli Prime Minister addresses the nation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, shortly after it was reported that Iran had launched kamikaze drones towards Israel, delivered an address to the nation. "Together we will stand and with G-d's help – together we will overcome all of our enemies," he declared.
"Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran. Our defense systems are deployed," said Netanyahu.
He stressed that the Israeli army is "ready for any scenario". - Defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong. We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel as well as the support of Britain, France, and many other countries - assured the Prime Minister of Israel.
