WATCH: Iranian missiles intercepted over Temple Mount, Knesset in Jerusalem
IDF 'saved Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque from Iran,' says Israeli spokesman
The Iranian regime launched hundreds of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Israel early on Sunday morning, with the Israeli Air Force intercepting dozens of them throughout the country – including over the Jerusalem skies.
Shortly before 2 a.m. local time, rocket alarm sirens were activated in several regions across Israel, including in the capital and several surrounding communities.
Unprecedented video footage of Israel’s Aerial Defense Array was filmed throughout the early morning hours, showing the Iron Dome and Arrow defense systems – among others –intercepting Iranian missiles over the Temple Mount and the Knesset in Jerusalem.
Ofir Gendelman, the Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson to the Arab sector, shared footage of interceptions above the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, the Muslim sanctuary in Jerusalem.
“Iran launched tonight ballistic missiles at Islam’s holy places in Jerusalem. Watch Israel's Iron Dome batteries intercept them and save the Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque from Iran,” Gendelman wrote on 𝕏.
Jerusalem: Rockets being intercepted over the Knesset pic.twitter.com/DcdLJl3e2T
— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) April 13, 2024
"Watch Israel defending the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque from Iranian missile and drones! For the murderous Ayatollah regime, murdering Israelis is more important than safeguarding Islamic holy sites," Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan wrote.
Images captured showed interceptions above the Knesset, Israel's Parliament building.
ALL ISRAEL NEWS Editor-in-Chief Joel Rosenberg witnessed several interceptions over the capital’s southern region.
“At nine minutes before 2 am local time, I heard three huge explosions over Southern Jerusalem. However, no emergency sirens were going off. Moments later, the sirens began,” Rosenberg wrote on 𝕏.
WATCH VIDEO: Iranian drones break through Israeli defenses, streaking into Jerusalem — @JoelCRosenberg saw and heard several intercepted but not all.https://t.co/vqpahvJHpb pic.twitter.com/GiqIgtbu28
— All Israel News (@allisraelnews) April 14, 2024
The IDF reported that the activation of most sirens throughout the country primarily served to warn the public about falling debris from intercepted rockets, rather than signaling an immediate threat.
“Last night, Iran initiated an attack against Israel, launching over 300 threats of various types,” stated IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari. “99% of the threats launched towards Israeli territory were intercepted - a very significant strategic achievement.”
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.