Lead

Hours after shrapnel from an Iranian ballistic missile, fired at Jordan, landed in Israel just north of Eilat, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir threatened the Islamic Republic with a potential harsh counterstrike if the regime gets any closer to the Jewish state. Speaking to IDF commanders in the West Bank, Zamir said, "We followed the attack on the area around Aqaba [Jordan] today, and our air defense apparatus is ready to defend the citizens of Israel. We are ready to immediately return to war, and we will act with great power against anyone who harms us." The IDF confirmed that no casualties or damage were caused by the falling fragments.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that on Sunday afternoon, the IDF's Iron Dome was used to shoot down fragments of an Iranian ballistic missile fired at Jordan near the border with Israel, after the US Aegis anti-missile system had already intercepted the primary missile warhead. Interceptor fragments fell in an open area near, but not in, Eilat, with no casualties or damage, the IDF confirmed. The attack was clearly aimed at Jordan, not Israel, and there was no immediate sign that Jerusalem would respond with a counterattack.

In a separate development, Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking on Tuesday with right-wing TV outlet Channel 14's "Bitchonistim," claimed that "the Iranians know" that US jets have taken off from Israeli bases to strike Iran. The Jerusalem Post reported that Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya, citing military sources, initially reported that Zamir was forced to apologize to CENTCOM after Katz's remarks, with officers in charge of the US Central Command "outraged." However, the IDF later dismissed the Al-Arabiya report, stating that "the publication regarding the conversation between the chief of staff and the CENTCOM commander [Adm. Brad Cooper] is incorrect. The chief of staff has not spoken with the CENTCOM commander since the minister's remarks were published." Al-Arabiya also reported, according to its sources, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "furious" following Katz's comments and that a state of "maximum alert" was declared, fearing that the revelation would trigger an Iranian attack.

Additionally, the IDF intercepted at least three drones in the Jordanian border region on Monday and Tuesday, reportedly launched by Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

Key Claims

  • An Iranian ballistic missile fired at Jordan landed in Israel near Eilat; fragments were shot down by the IDF's Iron Dome, causing no casualties or damage.
  • IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned Iran of a potential harsh counterstrike if the regime gets closer to Israel.
  • Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that US planes were taking off from Israeli bases to attack Iran.
  • IDF Chief of Staff Zamir apologized to CENTCOM after Katz's comments, according to Al-Arabiya; the IDF denied this.
  • The IDF intercepted drones over Jordan, likely launched by Iran-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq.
  • A state of maximum alert was declared due to fear of an Iranian attack after Katz's comments.
  • The IDF is fully prepared for a return to combat with Iran, as stated by IDF Arabic language spokesperson Lt. Col. Ella Waweya and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Perspectives

Israeli Defense Establishment

The IDF and Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasize full readiness and a deterrent posture. Zamir stated, "We are ready to immediately return to war, and we will act with great power against anyone who harms us." Katz warned that "If Iran attacks Israel, it will suffer a crushing blow." The IDF dismissed the Al-Arabiya report regarding Zamir's apology to CENTCOM.

Regional Media (Al-Arabiya)

Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya, citing military sources, reported that Zamir was forced to apologize to CENTCOM after Katz's remarks, that Netanyahu was furious, and that a state of maximum alert was declared. These claims were denied by the IDF.