In a comprehensive response to Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel, the financial toll of defending the nation was monumental, exceeding 2.1 billion Israeli shekels (over $550 million) according to the Wall Street Journal. This sum, calculated by Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, encompasses the expenses associated with the interception of a significant portion of the threats using the David’s Sling air-defense system. Additionally, it accounts for the operational costs of maintaining a fleet of 100 Israeli warplanes airborne for six hours, which included fuel and armaments.
Kalisky likened these financial burdens to those experienced in major historical conflicts such as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, underscoring the severity of the situation. Despite these heavy expenditures, he assessed that the economic impact on Israel would not be detrimental in the long run.
Last night's interceptions of ballistic missiles from Iran cost Israel 4.5 billion NIS ($1 billion).
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) April 14, 2024
That was just 1 night!
Imagine multiple nights.
For those "experts" who think a war with Iran is easy, best you keep doing what you do best which is not related to this topic. pic.twitter.com/54q4nukNJW
The attack, which marked the first of its kind by Iran directly on Israeli soil, occurred on a Saturday night. It prompted widespread air raid sirens and urgent calls for civilians to seek shelter as the skies over various parts of the country were illuminated by the defense systems intercepting the barrage. The scene, resembling a display of fireworks, belied the gravity of the assault.
Iran wasn’t acting alone; the aggression was a coordinated effort involving its allies from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, firing a multitude of projectiles. In defense, Israel collaborated closely with strategic allies including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Jordan, achieving what the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described as a 99% interception success rate. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari detailed that out of over 300 launched threats — including 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles, and over 120 ballistic missiles — the vast majority were neutralized before reaching Israeli territory.
The economics of the last attack on Israel
— realwarmonitor (@realwarmonitor) April 14, 2024
110 ballistic missiles: 30-50 million dollars
45 cruise missiles: 4-7 million dollars
170 Shahed-136: 4-5 million dollars
Total: 62-38 million dollars
The collective West spent about 1.1 billion dollars defending Israel#cost pic.twitter.com/QhwArEFDkw
The interception efforts were vividly showcased in videos posted by the IDF on social media, illustrating the effectiveness of the aerial defense systems like the newly deployed C-Dome, which successfully engaged an unmanned aerial vehicle earlier in the week. Additionally, the Arrow system, capable of targeting ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, played a crucial role in the defense strategy, with significant support from Israel’s strategic partners.
Despite the high success rate in interception, the conflict was not without casualties. In southern Israel, a young girl suffered serious injuries in an incident still under investigation, highlighting the human cost of such escalations.
🇮🇷 Iran released footage of missile launches towards Israel
— Arman Ali Verdi (@Armanali225) April 15, 2024
Estimated military cost of last night's operations based on the figures published in the media:
110 ballistic missiles: 30-50 million dollars
45 cruise missiles: 4-7 million dollars
170 Shahed-136: 4-5 million doll. pic.twitter.com/Db5Uvj6Ri3
The economic and strategic dimensions of this conflict emphasize Israel's resilience and the critical importance of its defense capabilities, both of which were tested severely in this large-scale confrontation. While the financial costs are substantial, the protection of national security and civilian lives remains paramount, reflecting the complex challenges Israel faces in its regional security environment.
