In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, a wave of drones and missiles were launched towards Israel overnight on Sunday, marking a new chapter in their long-standing rivalry. The attack, initiated by Iran, came in response to a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month.

The immense aerial assault included over 170 drones and more than 120 ballistic missiles, but the Israeli military reported that their aerial defense systems and allies were able to intercept "99%" of them. Only a small number of projectiles managed to reach Israeli territory, causing minimal damage.

The Nevatim airbase, targeted by Tehran, was identified as the launching site for Israel's earlier strike on the Iranian consulate. Although Iranian ballistic missiles managed to hit the airbase in the south of the country, only light structural damage was sustained, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari. The base remains functional and continues its operations.

The United States played a role in the defense of Israel, with US ships in the eastern Mediterranean Sea destroying between four and six Iranian ballistic missiles during the attack. Furthermore, aircraft in the region successfully shot down more than 70 Iranian drones that were heading towards Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has been ongoing for years, with a recent escalation occurring due to Israel's war on Hamas since October 2021. Iran-backed forces in Iraq and Syria have targeted US military positions, warning that these attacks will continue until Israel's war in Gaza ends.

Tensions spiked in early April when Iran accused Israel of bombing its diplomatic complex in Syria. The airstrike resulted in the destruction of the consulate building and the loss of several high-ranking Iranian officials. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi vowed that the attack would not go unanswered, with Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group also promising "punishment and revenge."

The United States and Israel had prior intelligence indicating an imminent Iranian attack, and Israel responded forcefully while receiving praise for its military's effective defense. However, Israel's allies in the West urged de-escalation, urging them to avoid actions that could further tip the situation into open warfare.

In a phone conversation, US President Joe Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US would not participate in offensive operations against Iran. Biden commended Israel's ability to defend against the attacks and emphasized the need for de-escalation.

The G7 leaders condemned the Iranian attack in a joint statement, warning it could potentially lead to uncontrollable regional escalation. They demanded that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks and stated they are prepared to take further measures to address destabilizing initiatives.

Israel's War Cabinet is sitting to discuss the immediate next steps, with various ministers calling for firm action and a response that resonates throughout the Middle East. However, an official Israeli source revealed that an hours-long meeting on Sunday ended without a decision on the country's response.

As tensions between Israel and Iran remain high, the international community anxiously awaits Israel's next move, with hopes for a de-escalation of the crisis and avoidance of all-out war.