Israel weighs options for Iran attack response as Biden warns Netanyahu U.S. won't support a counterattack: Full coverage

According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the only casualty of Iran's attacks against Israel was Amina al-Hasoni, a 7-year-old Bedouin girl in Israel who is now in the hospital fighting for her life. (In its initial report, the IDF said Amina's age was 10.)

“I think it hit her while she was running away,” the girl’s uncle, Ismail, told the New York Times.

The Hasoni family represents the roughly 300,000 Arab Bedouins in the Negev desert, most of whom live in villages unrecognized by Israeli officials, and where few bomb shelters are available for families to escape potential threats.

When they heard the air strikes being intercepted overhead, Ismail said the entire family ran toward the front door. Amina nearly made it when a missile fragment fell from the sky and ripped through the house’s thin metal roof, knocking her unconscious.

During the attack, over 300 projectiles were fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen — 99% of them were intercepted by the U.S., the United Kingdom, France and Jordan before making landfall.

Ismail said he tracked down a car, which drove Amina to the nearest hospital 40 minutes away.

The girl's father, Muhammad, described his daughter as someone who "likes to laugh and have fun all the time," and is a good student with a “strong personality” who doesn’t always follow instructions.

Muhammad has been taking turns at her hospital bedside, according to the Times. When pressed about Iran's actions, he simply called it "inhumane."

During the U.N. Security Council meeting on Sunday, Israeli ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan shed light on Iran's missile strikes against Israel.

“Colleagues, last night Iran proved again that it cares nothing, nothing for Islam or Muslims,” Erdan said before acknowledging that the attack “seriously injured” a 7-year-old Bedouin girl in Israel.

Erdan pulled out an iPad to show the assembly footage of Israel intercepting Iranian drones above the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem — the second-oldest mosque in Islam known to the Jewish people as Temple Mount.

“Israel is not the boy who cried wolf,” he said of Israel’s repeated warnings about Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group. “We have been screaming from the rooftops for years, trying to wake up the international community, but to no avail.”

He continued, “If only this council would have internalized my words, it would not have needed the bone-rattling explosions of last night's attack to wake it up."

President Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Sunday about the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Biden "strongly condemned the attack launched by Iran that also threatened Jordan and the Jordanian people," the White House said in a statement.

"Both leaders noted that they continue to monitor the situation and will remain in close touch over the coming days" and discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

After Iran launched its attack on Saturday, Jordan's air force intercepted and shot down dozens of drones, Reuters reported.

Jordan neighbors Syria and Iraq. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said missiles were launched on Saturday from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, on Sunday for a third time this weekend "to review the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel, and their partners to defend Israel from unprecedented attacks launched from Iranian territory and by Iran's proxies."

According to a statement from Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, Austin told Gallant that the U.S. "will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and U.S. personnel."

Earlier, Austin said the U.S. took out dozens of the more than 300 drones and missiles Iran launched at Israel, but he didn't provide more details.

In the U.N. Security Council emergency meeting on Sunday, the United States said its actions to aid Israel against Iranian attacks were “purely defensive.”

“The United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable here at the United Nations,” said Robert Wood, U.S. deputy ambassador to the U.N. “More immediately, the Security Council must unequivocally condemn Iran’s aggressive actions and call for Iran and its partners and proxies to cease their attacks.”

With the help of the United Kingdom, France and Jordan, the U.S. helped Israeli forces intercept over 300 projectiles fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen on Saturday — stopping over 99% of them from making landfall.

During his remarks, Wood warned that "Iran will be held responsible" should there be further retaliatory attacks against the U.S. or Israel.

"The United States is not seeking escalation," he stated. "Our actions have been purely defensive in nature. The best way to prevent such escalation is an unambiguous condemnation from the council of Iran’s unprecedented large-scale attack."

Wood continued, “Our goal is to de-escalate and then get back to the issue at hand: Securing an end to the conflict in Gaza by getting a ceasefire in Gaza through a hostage deal, as well as surging humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”

A White House official told reporters on Sunday that Iran privately messaged the U.S. to inform them that their retaliation against Israel had concluded after Saturday’s attacks.

“We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss, basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack,” the official told reporters, according to CNN.

The message reaffirms what Iranian officials said in a post on X on Saturday.

“The matter can be deemed concluded,” the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran wrote on X. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, also warned the U.S. to not aid Israel in a possible counterattack.

“If the US joins the Zionists' next aggression through its bases or military bases in the region and this becomes certain, then America's regional bases, personnel, and facilities will not be secure in the region,” Bagheri said in a statement.

During opening remarks at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Sunday, Secretary-General António Guterres said that "it's time to step back from the brink."

"It's vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," he said, adding, "Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price."

He said the Security Council has "a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation."

Guterres said there is also a shared responsibility to secure a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of hostages and delivery of aid.

"We have a shared responsibility to work for peace, regional and indeed global peace, and security are being undermined by the hour," he said.

"Neither the region nor the world can afford more war."

President Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel in a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday — however, he vowed that he would not support an Israeli counterattack against Iran.

A White House official told Axios that Biden told Netanyahu, "You got a win. Take the win." When he expressed that the U.S. would not aid in a retaliatory attack, Netanyahu reportedly said he understood.

“I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” Biden said in a statement last night after the call. “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.”

As far as possible threats against American troops, Biden said: “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."

Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group, congratulated Iran for its attack against Israel, calling it a “new phase” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“The operation precisely achieved its limited military objectives, despite the involvement of the United States, its allies, and its regional tools in responding to the stunning attack,” the group said in a statement. “The long-term political and strategic objectives for this major development will be successfully apparent over time.”

According to the Associated Press, the attack — retaliatory airstrikes in response to Israeli's April 1 bombing of an Iranian embassy in Syria — was the first time Iran launched a direct military assault on Israel after decades of intense hostility.

The group also described Iran's attack as "brave," praising Iran for exercising its right to defend itself despite "threats, intimidation and pressure," reports the Times of Israel.

Reuters reported on Sunday that Iran informed Turkey about its impending attacks on Israel — and Turkey then informed the United States. A diplomatic source said that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was communicating with the U.S. and Iran about the operations in the days leading up to the strikes.

"Iran informed us in advance of what would happen," the source said, adding that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Fidan that escalation in the Middle East was not a good idea.

"Possible developments also came up during the meeting with Blinken, and they [the U.S.] conveyed to Iran through us that this reaction must be within certain limits," the source told Reuters. “In response, Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israel's attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this."

In a separate report, Reuters detailed a call between Fidan and Blinken on Sunday, in which Fidan said Turkey was worried about the conflict spreading in the Middle East.

Read more from Reuters.

After meeting for hours on Sunday, Israel’s war Cabinet has reportedly made no final decisions about how they will respond to Iran’s attack.

“It is clear Israel will respond, the question is when and at what scale,” an Israeli official told reporters, according to NBC News. The Israeli Defense Forces were asked to present more options.

A senior Biden administration official later told reporters that Israel is hoping to de-escalate the situation.

“I think Israel made clear to us they're not looking for a significant escalation with Iran,” the Biden official said, according to CNN. “That's not what they're looking for. They're looking to protect themselves and defend themselves.”

Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war Cabinet, is hoping to strengthen their allies.

“This event is not over,” said Gantz. “The strategic alliance and regional cooperation system that we built and stood its significant test needs to be strengthened right now.”

Over 300 threats of various types were used in the Iranian attacks on Saturday, Israel said. According to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari, 99% were intercepted. They include:

• More than 30 cruise missiles. According to Hagari, 25 of these missiles were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets outside the country’s borders. None of the 30 missiles crossed into Israeli territory.

• Over 120 ballistic missiles. Only a few crossed into Israeli territory and the rest were intercepted. The ones that did make landfall fell at the Nevatim Air Force Base, which caused minor damage. The base continues to be operational.

• Dozens of rockets. These were launched from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanese territory, according to the IDF. None of them crossed into Israeli territory and they caused zero casualties.

The only casualty was a girl who was severely injured by shrapnel. "We wish her a speedy recovery," said Hagari. "Other than her, as far as we know, there are no additional casualties."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog views the latest attacks from Iran as a “declaration of war” against Israel.

“This is real war. I mean, this is a declaration of war," Herzog told Sky News. “Now, because we are restrained and because we know the repercussions, and because we have deliberations with our partners, we are considering all options and I’m quite confident that we will take the necessary steps that are necessary to protect and defend our people.”

The president insisted that “the last thing that Israel is seeking” is war.

“We are seeking peace. We are peace seekers. We went to peace with our neighbors time and time again,” Herzog explained before acknowledging the advice his government has received from world leaders like President Biden to “take the win” and not retaliate against Iran.

“We always listen to our partners and allies. We respect their view,” he said. “We are also always reviewing all our options, and as I said, we will take whatever it takes to protect and defend our people.”

House Republicans said the chamber is changing its legislative schedule next week to vote on Israel legislation after Iran's attack.

“In light of Iran’s unjustified attack on Israel, the House will move from its previously announced legislative schedule next week to instead consider legislation that supports our ally Israel and holds Iran and its terrorist proxies accountable," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement. "The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack."

Politico reports:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for a global response to the attacks.

“Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world,” he wrote in a post on X.

Zelensky pointed out that Iran purportedly used “Shahed drones” to attack Israel — the same type of missiles Russia has used in its ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities since invading the nation two years ago.

According to the Telegraph, the “easy-to-build” drones are identifiable by the noise they make in-flight.

“The sound of ‘Shahed’ drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe,” Zelensky said. “This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide.

“The world cannot wait for discussions to go on,” Zelensky continued. “Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating. We must strengthen security and resolutely counter all those who want to make terror a new normal.”

"It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time."

President Biden spoke virtually with leaders of the G7 nations — the U.S., Japan, the U.K., France, Germany, Canada, Italy and the European Union — today.

"The leaders condemned Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to Israel's security," White House officials wrote on X.

On Saturday, after Iran launched its attack on Israel, Biden called for a meeting with the leaders of the G7 nations "to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack."

In a statement, Biden said that "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."

Canada: “Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. “After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.”

France: “I condemn in the strongest terms the unprecedented attack launched by Iran against Israel, which threatens to destabilize the region,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X. “I express my solidarity with the Israeli people and France's commitment to the security of Israel, our partners, and regional stability.”

Germany: “With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration,” government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said on Sunday. “Germany stands closely by Israel’s side. We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies.”

India: "We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy,” the Ministry of External Affairs said. “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community.”

Russia: “We express our extreme concern at yet another dangerous escalation in the Middle East,” the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X. “We call on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint. We expect them to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means.”

Spain: “The government of Spain condemns it, as it has condemned and will always condemn all forms of violence that threaten the safety and well-being of innocent civilians,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on X. “The response of all international leaders demands responsibility and restraint. We must learn from history. And find a way to resolve conflicts through diplomatic channels, avoiding at all costs an even greater escalation.”

Ukraine: “Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world,” President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X. “It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time.”

Read more from Reuters: Reaction to Iran's drone, missile attack on Israel

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, has condemned Iran's attack on Israel and called for Israel to pause on any possible retaliation attempts.

"We condemn Iran’s overnight escalation, call for restraint, and are monitoring developments closely," NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, wrote on X. "It is vital that the conflict in the Middle East does not spiral out of control."

According to BBC News, projectiles were fired toward Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Over 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted with the help of the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Jordan.

Saudi Arabia might have played an indirect role in the interception as well, according to the British publication the Economist, since the country has “Western air-defense systems, surveillance and refueling aircraft that would have been vital for the effort.”

When speaking to journalists in Downing Street on Sunday, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that the Royal Air Force struck down “a number of Iranian attack drones.”

Those efforts, said Sunak, saved lives in Israel and in neighboring countries like Jordan.

“I can confirm that our planes did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones,” he said. “I want to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians.”

Added Sunak: “If this attack had been successful, the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate, and we stand by the security of Israel and the wider region, which is, of course, important for our security here at home.”