Arab states unexpectedly helped Israel fend off Iran’s attack [Video]

The skies over Israel lit up on Saturday night as its Iron Dome shot down hundreds of missiles and drones launched by Iran.

The assault was retaliation for Israel’s deadly strike on Iran’s consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus. It marked the first time that Iran had carried out attacks on Israel from Iranian territory.

Israel said it shot down 99% of the drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles that headed its way. In doing so, it received help from unlikely sources: its Arab neighbors.

Jordan, which has been a fierce critic of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, said it intercepted projectiles fired by Iran that entered its airspace. It also appeared to open up its airspace to Israeli and US fighter jets.

Samih al-Maaytah, Jordan’s former information minister, defended the move on Sunday. “Jordan’s duty is to protect its lands and citizens,” he said. “What Jordan did yesterday was to simply protect its airspace.”

Jordan may have complicated motivations for backing Israel. As Deutsche Wellewrote …