Statement by Preme minister Netanyahu
13.04.2024
We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening (Saturday, 13 April 2024) [translated from Hebrew]:
“Citizens of Israel,
In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran.
Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both 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.
We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.
Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command.
Together we will stand and with G-d’s help – together we will overcome all of our enemies.”
source – Government of Israel
Guterres condemns Iran’s attack on Israel, calls for immediate end to hostilities
Strongly condemning the “large-scale attack” launched on Israel by Iran, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged maximum restraint by all parties and warned that “neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
“I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities,” said the Secretary-General in a statement issued in New York early Saturday evening, shortly after what media reports suggest had been hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Iran at Israel.
The UN chief said that he is deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation.
“I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East,” said the Secretary-General, and added: “I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
Tensions have been ratcheting up in the region since Hamas’ deadly 7 October terror attack and mass hostage taking and Israel’s subsequent full-scale assault on the Gaza Strip, which has left thousands dead and pushed the population to the brink of starvation.
The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for 4pm Sunday to discuss this latest flare-up in the region.
Tit-for-tat violence will only lead to ‘more misery’
For his part, the President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, also expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, “involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel.”
In a separate statement, Mr. Francis noted that Iran had explained its action “in the context of article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.”
“The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East,” said the Assembly President and strongly called upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region.
“This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered. I expect that the Iranian authorities will honour their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded.”
Stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve differences, Mr. Francis warned: “A vicious cycle of attack and counterattack will lead to nowhere, but inevitably, to more death, suffering and misery.”
Source – United Nations
Statement by President von der Leyen on Iran’s attack on Israel
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU
The EU condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security.
The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel. In this highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be no one’s interest. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint.
The EU remains fully committed to contribute to de-escalation and the security of the region and is in close contact with all sides to this end.
Source – EU Council
Statement from President Joe Biden on Iran’s Attacks against the State of Israel
Earlier today, Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms.
At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.
I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.
Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack. My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.
Source – U.S. White House
Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz verurteilt iranische Luftangriffe auf Israel
Der Sprecher der Bundesregierung, Steffen Hebestreit, teilt mit:
Sonntag, 14. April 2024
Mit aller Schärfe hat Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz die schweren Luftangriffe auf israelisches Staatsgebiet verurteilt, die das Regime in Teheran heute Nacht begonnen hat. Mit dieser unverantwortlichen und durch nichts zu rechtfertigenden Attacke riskiert Iran einen regionalen Flächenbrand. In diesen schweren Stunden steht Deutschland eng an der Seite Israels. Über weitere Reaktionen werden wir uns nun eng mit unseren G7-Partnern und Verbündeten besprechen.
Quelle – Bundespresseamt