Israel Defends Against Multiple Drone and Missile Attacks from Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen

An alliance of Iran-backed groups known as the 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq' claimed responsibility on Monday, November 21, for four drone attacks targeting 'vital' sites in Israel. The alliance stated that these attacks were carried out in northern and southern Israel, sharing this information through several posts on Telegram, but did not disclose specific details about the targets. A day earlier, the Israeli army announced that its air force intercepted two drones approaching from the east without specifying their origin. The army's statement noted that 'two drones approaching Israeli territory from the east' were intercepted but did not enter the country's airspace. Sirens were activated in the Dead Sea area near Jerusalem, and journalists from AFP reported hearing several aircraft flying over the city. Iran has threatened to use 'stronger weapons' in a new attack against Israel. Iranian-backed militants in Iraq have recently claimed responsibility for several drone attacks against Israel. On Monday, it was also reported that Israeli firefighters in western Jerusalem were battling fires caused by debris from a intercepted missile fired from Yemen, according to the Israeli army. Reports indicated that the Israeli air force intercepted an incoming missile from Yemen without it entering Israeli territory, and warning sirens were activated as per protocol. The Houthi rebels in Yemen, part of Iran-supported militant groups against Israel, have periodically fired missiles and drones towards Israel since the onset of the Gaza war, disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. On Sunday, November 20, it was reported that a drone entering Israeli territory from Lebanon was identified, triggering sirens in the Haifa area. The Israeli army announced later that the incident had concluded with no reported damage. These movements by Tehran-backed groups in the region coincide with remarks from Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran's First Vice President, who stated early Monday before traveling to Riyadh for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League that 'we are seeking a ceasefire in Lebanon and Palestine' and called for 'a lasting ceasefire in the region.' The drone activities of the Iranian-supported forces against Israel also occur amid statements from IRGC officials and the Iranian President emphasizing that Tehran's new response to Israeli attacks would be more severe if a ceasefire in Gaza is not achieved. Iran has threatened to use 'stronger and more sophisticated' weapons in a new attack against Israel, and according to the Wall Street Journal, Iran has indicated to Arab officials that operations may be launched from Iraqi territory. These threats follow recent Israeli attacks that have damaged Iran's air defenses. U.S. officials have also warned Iran that any new actions would lead to severe consequences. On Sunday, November 20, Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters and former commander of Iranian advisory forces in Syria, stated in a media interview that 'we have no qualms about saying that Hezbollah is connected to us. We train them and are not worried about these discussions.' He added that 'the most advanced aircraft are in Israel's possession, the most advanced bombs are in Israel's possession... It is not the case that they cannot do anything; yes, we say that they cannot do anything, but if they really attack, they will harm us. But in response, we can inflict greater damage on them.'