Israeli air force allegedly intercepts UAVs over Dead Sea, West Bank
Iranian drones were reportedly intercepted over the occupied West Bank and the Dead Sea, amid escalating regional military tensions.
-
Israeli security forces inspect destroyed houses that were struck by a missile fired from Iran, in Rishon Lezion, occupied Palestine, on June 14, 2025 (AP Photo)
The Israeli occupation's military announced on Saturday that it had allegedly intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the occupied West Bank and the Dead Sea, reportedly launched from Iranian territory.
According to the statement issued by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) via Telegram, air raid sirens were activated at 08:11 local time to alert settlers in the affected areas of the incoming aerial threat.
"Following the sirens that sounded between 08:11 and 08:12 in the areas of Judea (occupied West Bank) and the Dead Sea, several UAVs launched toward 'Israel' were intercepted by the IAF," the IOF said.
The Israeli Air Force reportedly attempted to engage the drones mid-flight and urged residents to adhere strictly to instructions issued by the Home Front Command throughout the alert period.
The interception of drones deep within occupied territory marks a significant moment in the ongoing military escalation between Tehran and the Israeli regime. Iran’s deployment of UAVs signals a broader strategy of direct engagement far beyond its immediate borders.
This latest incident development follows a series of military escalations triggered by a massive Israeli strike on Iranian territories, which targeted senior military figures, nuclear infrastructure, and civilian areas. As the confrontation continues to expand, drone warfare has emerged as a central element of the evolving conflict between the Islamic Republic and the Israeli occupation.
New wave of Iranian missiles strikes 'Israel'
The IOF's statement comes after Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles targeting Tel Aviv and vast areas across northern "Israel" amid a state of high alert in the occupied territories, in the early hours of Saturday.
The Israeli occupation then acknowledged the deaths of two settlers and injuries of 40 others in the bombardment of Rishon LeZion in central "Israel", as reports relay concerns for casualties stuck beneath the rubble. Israeli media additionally reported that around 10 firefighting and rescue teams are operating in the area.
Rishon LeZion holds significant military importance due to its proximity to strategic military infrastructure, such as the Kirya military headquarters, making it a key logistical and command hub during wars.
It lies near major defense industry hubs like Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael, with many residents contributing to military R&D and production. The settlement's role in military recruitment, especially in tech and intelligence units, further ties it to the Israeli military's ecosystem.
Israeli media further emphasized that the destruction in the central district has been unprecedented, with larger devastation inflicted in Iran's latest retaliation.
On a related note, Iranian forces announced on Saturday that they had shot down multiple Israeli drones that breached the country’s airspace over the northwestern Salmas border region. According to Iranian state media, the drones were engaged in reconnaissance and espionage activities when they were intercepted.