Tonight's attack on Israel by Iran wasn't "retaliation" — it was a blatant escalation and declaration of war. 🧵 (1/6)
On October 7, Iran launched a war against Israel via its proxies. On April 1, Israel struck a building in Damascus being used by IRGC terrorists, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, an IRGC Quds Force commander who played a direct role in planning and executing the Oct 7 massacre. (2/6)
Over the last 4+ decades, Iran has built up a network of 19 proxy terror groups that surround Israel from all sides. Many of these groups' sole stated mission is to fulfill Iran's goal of wiping Israel off the map. (3/6)
Israel has invested significant resources into developing advanced defensive technology — often with the US — including a multilayered aerial defense system including the Iron Dome, the Patriot, David's Sling, and the Arrow. Its investment paid off tonight, with a reported 99% of missiles and drones launched at Israel being intercepted by Israel as well as its allies. (4/6)
Israel has also invested time and effort in considering and planning options to respond to aggression by Iran and/or its proxies. Israel will not allow terrorists to pose an existential threat to its citizens. (5/6)