Iran has launched dozens of drones to attack Israel, after Israel announced it was closing all schools amid fears of an upcoming attack from the state.
Dozens of drones were seen flying from Iran over neighbouring Iraq’s Sulaymaniya province, according to three security sources.
The IDF’s spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the drones to arrive in Israel, adding that sirens would be sounded in threatened areas.
It was reported today that Iran has more than 100 cruise missiles ready to be launched as part of an ‘imminent’ strike against Israel in retaliation for an airstrike against Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria.
Announcing increased security measures in Israel during a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness.
Starting from 11pm tonight, the strict measures, which include the ban of all ‘educational activities’ across the country, the restriction of working in offices without ‘standard protected spaces’ and limits on the number of people at gatherings’, will be implemented.
Educational activities have been banned across the country, while restrictions on working have been put in place on areas directly next to the Gaza Strip, and other areas in the Gaza Envelope.
Israeli schools have been shut down in response to threats made by Iran
Tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating massively in the past few weeks
Iran has threatened to take revenge against Israel for levelling its embassy in Damascus, Syria
Israelis living on the areas next to the Gaza Strip have been banned from meeting outside in groups of more than 30, and are allowed to meet up to 300 people inside buildings. Beaches in the Gaza Envelope have also been closed to the public.
Hagari said in the televised address that the directive will be reassessed at 6am local time, and urged Israelis to remain vigilant and to head to bomb shelters if they hear warnings.
‘We are taking all steps possible to ensure your safety.
‘Since the start of the war, we have faced a variety of threats sent here by Iran’s proxies and adapted our defense and attack systems accordingly,’ Hagari said, adding that the IDF was ‘fully prepared’ for Iranian attacks.
‘The air force’s defense and attack formations are on alert and dozens of planes are in the sky. We are conducting a situational assessment with our strategic partners, led by the USA, and we are maintaining close coordination with them,’ he added.
Hagari’s televised message came as Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant held a meeting with top-level defence officials, including the IDF’s chief Herzi Halevi.
Gallant said the IDF was ‘closely monitoring a planned attack by Iran and its proxies against the State of Israel.’
‘We have added new capabilities – on land, in the air, at sea, in our intelligence directorate, within the State of Israel, and together with our partners, led by the United States.
‘Iran is a terrorist state – the world is seeing this now more than ever.’
Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in central Israel, November 5, 2023
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon towards Israel over the Israeli Lebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, April 12, 2024
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly on his way to the IDF’s headquarters in Hakirya for security consultations with top military officials in light of the threat of attack by Iran.
He said in a prepared televised statement: ‘Our defense systems are deployed, and we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and offense. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.’
‘We appreciate the US for standing by Israel’s side as well as the support of the UK, France and many other countries.’
‘I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. We will defend ourselves from any threat and we will do so calmly and with determination.’
‘I know that you, the citizens of Israel, are also keeping calm. I urge you to listen to the directives of the Home Front Command.’
‘Together we stand, and with God’s help, together we will overcome all of our enemies,’
Surrounding countries appear to have begun preparations for an escalation in hostilities.
Jordan, Israel’s eastern neighbour, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and internal flights.
The increased security measures were announced hours after Iranian commandos took control of an Israel-linked container ship as it travelled in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have been massively escalating after the IDF killed 12 people, including two top military figures, in an airstrike against Iran’s embassy in Syria’s capital, Damascus, on April 1.
More to follow.
