Iran's Drone Assault: Israel on High Alert
Iran has launched drones targeting sites in Israel, prompting the Israeli defence forces to prepare for defence, as stated by the Israeli army and reported by the BBC.
Iranian state media also confirmed retaliatory drone strikes against Israeli targets.
According to the Iranian Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the attack on April 13 to 14 was a response to what they termed as "Israeli aggression against our diplomatic headquarters in Damascus."
Earlier this month, Israel targeted an Iranian building in Damascus, with an army spokesperson asserting it to be a "military facility."
The Iranian mission announced the issue as "considered closed."
"If the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe," added Iran's Permanent Mission, emphasising a conflict between Iran and what they termed as the "dishonest Israeli regime," from which the US should distance itself.
Iran vows to retaliate against any country allowing Israel to use its airspace or territory for an attack against Iran.
The French and Dutch governments condemned Iran's attack, expressing solidarity with Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, asserting readiness to counter any Iranian threat.
"In recent weeks, Israel has prepared for a direct attack by Iran," said Netanyahu. "We have established a clear principle - whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will protect ourselves with calm resolve."
The Israeli Foreign Minister urged unity amidst the crisis.
A war cabinet meeting has been convened at the Israel Defense Forces headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to the Prime Minister's office.
Iran launched an aerial attack against Israel on Saturday night, expected to unfold over several hours, according to White House reports.
President Joe Biden is in constant communication with Israeli officials, as well as US partners and allies.
Israel estimates over 100 drones will be launched from Iran.
Israel will close its airspace starting at local time 00:30.
Public shelters have been opened in Haifa, northern Israel.
According to Iran's Press TV, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched extensive drone strikes against targets in the occupied territories.
Israel's Channel 12 reported dozens of drones launched, with a travel time of several hours.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed readiness for a direct attack from Iran.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced tracking all drones launched from Iran toward Israel.
The Israeli military warned that Iran "will bear the consequences of its choice to escalate the situation."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
