Iran on Saturday afternoon launched dozens of drones from its own territory toward Israel, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed.
“A short while ago, Iran launched unmanned aerial vehicles from its territory towards the territory of the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
“The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country’s skies,” it added. “The IDF is monitoring all targets.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a statement confirming its launch of an attack on Israel, saying it is in response to the IDF’s earlier strike on a consular compound in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The April 1 airstrike killed several high-ranking Iranian commanders, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, among several other IRGC members.
The IRGC said it will hit specific targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles, reported Iranian state media.
Netanyahu: Whoever Harms Us, We Will Harm Them
In a message to all citizens, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his administration had for weeks “been preparing for a direct attack from Iran.”
“Our defensive systems are deployed,” said the prime minister, who has been transferred to a secure location as the Iranian drones fly toward Israel. “We are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively.”
“We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries,” he said. “We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”
In a call to action, Mr. Netanyahu asked all Israelis to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command.
“Together we will stand and with God’s help,” he said. “Together we will overcome all of our enemies.”
President Joe Biden will be meeting with his national security team, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the White House later this afternoon to discuss the latest escalation.
“His team is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies,” the White House said in a statement. “This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours.”
“President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” it added.
In the wake of ongoing Iranian retaliation, the U.S. State Department has warned Americans in Israel not to travel outside major cities, which are better protected from airborne attack by the country’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The latest travel advisory noted that travel by government employees in Israel could be further restricted.
