To intercept Iran's airstrike, Israel spent more than 1.3 billion USD

Israel said it had successfully defended itself against Iranian drone and missile attacks on April 14, but the effort was said to have come at a high cost.

Israeli missiles intercept an Iranian airstrike, April 14. Photo: Times of Israel

According to local media outlet Ynet News, Israeli Brigadier General Reem Aminoach said the cost of interceptor missiles, jet fuel and other materials used to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles cost around 4 billion to 5 billion shekels ($1.06 billion to $1.33 billion).

This estimate includes only direct costs to Israel, not the significant amount of weapons used by the US and other allies to help Israel fight this attack.

Gen. Aminoach, who served as financial adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said Israel used weapons such as the Arrow and David's Sling interceptors, which cost about $3.5 million and $1 million each, respectively, not including the sortie costs for the fighter jets that did much of the work of shooting down the Iranian drones.

The general admitted that it would be much cheaper for Iran to launch an attack than for Israel to defend itself. Therefore, in the future, if Iran attacks Israel in 1 year, 2 years or 5 years, Israel will almost run out of budget to intercept.

Earlier, the IDF announced that 99% of the more than 300 drones and kamikaze missiles launched from Iranian territory were successfully intercepted. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said all drones and cruise missiles were shot down, while some ballistic missiles penetrated Israel's defense system. These shells fell on Nevatim air base and "caused only minor damage to infrastructure."

According to Daniel Hagari, the drones launched by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen did not reach Israeli territory. The only casualty was a 10-year-old Israeli girl who was shot while sleeping at her home in southern Israel.

KHANH MINH

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