The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the interception of dozens of Iranian missiles and drones last night cost Israel an estimated 5 billion shekels (approximately $1.35 billion). According to the newspaper on Sunday, Brigadier Ram Aminach, the former financial advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Israeli military, estimated the defense cost of last night between 4 to 5 billion shekels ($1.08 to $1.35 billion).
Aminach clarified, “I am speaking only about the cost of intercepting what the Iranians launched; I am not discussing the injuries, which were minimal this time.”
He further explained, “A single ‘Arrow’ missile, used to intercept an Iranian ballistic missile, costs up to $3.5 million, while a missile from the ‘Magic Wand’ system costs $1 million. This excludes the cost of aircraft sorties involved in intercepting Iranian drones.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli daily Haaretz quoted IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, stating that about 350 rockets and drones were fired from Iran at Israel, with most being intercepted, according to Anadolu Agency’s report. He confirmed that minor damage occurred at the Nevatim Air Base in Be’er Sheva (southern Israel). “99% of the threats launched against Israel last night were intercepted.”
Hagari added that out of 30 cruise missiles, 25 were intercepted; and from more than 120 ballistic missiles, only a few breached Israeli territory and landed at the Nevatim Air Base. Hagari pointed out that Iran’s attempt to destroy Israel’s air force capabilities had failed, and that the base (Nevatim) is operational and planes are continuing their missions.
In addition to launches from Iran, missiles and drones were also launched from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. On Saturday evening, Iranian state television declared that “the Revolutionary Guard has begun an aerial operation with drones targeting locations in the occupied territories,” while the Israeli military announced that Iran had launched a drone attack.
The Iranian attack is in retaliation for the rocket attack at the beginning of April on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which resulted in the death of 7 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including the prominent general Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Israel has not officially acknowledged the assassination of Zahedi, but has also not denied its responsibility.
