O Israeli Armed Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari in his statements he referred to the Israeli attack reiterating that all drones and cruise missiles fired by Iran were intercepted before they entered Israeli airspace and the majority of the 120 ballistic missiles.

He also confirmed that there was a direct hit at the Nevatim air base by ballistic missiles, but noted that it caused only “minor damage to infrastructure” and the base remains fully operational, adding that a young girl was injured in the attack and is in intensive care at the hospital due to shrapnel injuries. He added, however, that so far there have been no other reports of major damage or injuries.

“Ballistic missiles, just a small number … single digits … fell on and around the base,” he said at the morning briefing. “A direct hit with minor damage that does not affect the operation of the base”

He described the use of ballistic missiles as “scaling factor”. Asked about Israel’s options and whether he would respond, he said that Israel has plans and is considering its options.

“We have plans, the situation is still evolving. We are assessing the situation, we are showing the cabinet the plans and we are ready to do whatever is necessary to defend Israel.”

“I want you to show me another country that faces over 110 ballistic missiles and drones,” he said. “I think Iran wanted to get results and they didn’t get results. Ballistic missiles are an escalation factor. And when they used those numbers they wanted more significant results than what happened.”

“France helped defend Israel”

At the same time, he stated today that France was among the countries involved in the defense of Israel against the attack received by Iran at night.

“France has technology, aircraft, radar – and I know they were involved in airspace patrols,” the spokesman said, adding that he did not have precise details on whether French fighter jets shot down any of the missiles fired by Iran.