Israel’s Air Defenses Stand Firm Under Iranian Fire

Latest Developments

• Over 90 Percent Interception Rate: Iran has fired over 270 missiles targeting Israeli population centers since Israel began its systematic strikes against the regime’s nuclear, missile, and energy assets.  Just 20 to 24 of the projectiles resulted in direct impacts, indicating a interception success rate of more than 90 percent, as a result of Israel’s three-tiered air defense array of the Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome missile defense systems.
• Lethal Iranian Barrages: Fourteen people have been killed and nearly 400 wounded in the Iranian missile attacks on locations in  Tel Aviv, Tamra, Rishon LeZion and Bat Yam. The Israeli Homefront Command stressed the importance of following its issued instructions, as many of the victims did not seek shelter during the attacks. While visiting the site of a direct impact that left at least six civilians dead in Bat Yam, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran would “pay a very heavy price for the murder of women, children, and innocent civilians — and it will happen soon.”
• This is “War”: Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Netanyahu’s security cabinet, described the  conflict with Iran as a “war” which Israel would execute decisively. “For every building that is brought down in Israel, 100 buildings will be brought down in Tehran and Iran,” he said. Israel has issued warnings to Iranian civilians to seek shelter prior to carrying out strikes against certain regime targets.

FDD Expert Response

“Nothing highlights the stark moral contrast in this war more than Israel warning Iranian civilians in advance to seek cover, while Iran flings missiles at Israeli population centers in response. At this early stage, it is clear that Iran has tried to overwhelm Israel’s missile defense shield, but that the system is standing firm. As Iranian missile stocks are depleted, the advantage will shift further and further in Israel’s direction.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“Israel has for decades endured the plague of missiles fired by Iranian proxies in Gaza and Lebanon, developing robust systems and practices to limit both civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Iran’s targeting of Israeli population centers demonstrates that the regime’s bloodcurdling slogan ‘Death to Israel’ isn’t just mere rhetoric but rather an actual policy of murdering Israeli women, men, and children in their homes and their communities. Ultimately, though, the likeliest victim of this cruel strategy is Iran’s ruling regime, which is facing a challenge to its survival unprecedented since the Islamic revolution 46 years ago.” — Ben Cohen, Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Director

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Hit Every Site and Every Target’: IDF Strikes Iran’s Critical Energy Sector,” FDD Flash Brief

“Elaborate ‘deception operation’ orchestrated by Trump and Israel’s Netanyahu to decapitate Iran’s leadership and cripple nuclear program,” by Mark Dubowitz

“Israel Confirms Mossad Teams Operating Inside Iran,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘From Western Iran To Tehran:’ Israel Claims Air Superiority Over Iranian Skies as it Braces For Further Retaliation,” FDD Flash Brief