Israeli president calls Iran attack a 'declaration of war'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Sunday that Iran's attack on his country over the weekend is "a declaration of war" and officials are "considering all options" to respond. 

Israel is a nation of "peace-seekers," but the country will do "whatever it takes to protect and defend our people," Herzog said during an interview with Sky News on Sunday less than 24 hours after Iran launched more than 300 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles toward Israel.

"I mean this is a declaration of war," Herzog said about the direct Iranian attack, which comes after Iran blamed Israel for airstrikes in Syria earlier this month that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials.  

Iran threatened to attack Israel if it responds to the weekend assault, and Herzog said his country is aware of the "repercussions" to any response Israel takes. He also said Israel is speaking with its partners and "considering all options."

It is unclear how involved Herzog may be in any conversations regarding a response to Iran. As president of Israel, Herzog mostly plays a ceremonial role, while the prime minister and his cabinet have executive power.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America will not assist in any counter-offensive response against Iran.

Although Israel has faced years of attacks from Iranian-funded proxies, including the terrorist organizations of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, the weekend barrage was Iran's first known direct attack on Israel.

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