In a series of escalating events, Israeli air defenses intercepted Iranian strikes over Jerusalem early Sunday, prompting a swift response from the US Congress. Democrats urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to consider the Senate foreign aid package, while Republicans called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to act on Israel only.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced a shift in the House schedule to focus on legislation supporting Israel and holding Iran accountable. The details of the legislation were not specified, leaving uncertainty about whether it is a purely symbolic gesture or an aid package.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated instructions for Israeli civilians to stay in sheltered places and issued a video statement from Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. Despite the intercepts occurring in the skies above Jerusalem, Hagari assured civilians that the Aerial Defense Array is fully operational.
Iran claimed that their attack on Israel was in response to an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, declaring the matter concluded. The US Embassy in Jordan issued a security alert warning citizens of the need for caution due to the closure of Jordanian airspace and the escalating tensions in the region.
Egypt called for restraint to prevent further instability and tension in the region, while the UK provided backfill for US assets in the region but did not actively intercept Iranian drones. US air defense systems intercepted some Iranian drones targeting Israel, and the IDF instructed residents in northern Israel to remain close to safe spaces.