Iran has launched aerial drones at Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said, appearing to mark a widely anticipated reprisal attack.
The IDF, in a statement shared on its verified X handle, said :”Iran launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel a short while ago.
” The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli air and naval space. The IDF is monitoring all targets.”
It comes after days of anticipation that Iran was preparing to attack Israel in retaliation for a strike which killed a top Iranian commander.
According to the BBC, Israel’s Channel 12 TV also said the salvo is expected to reach Israel at 23:00 GMT on Saturday and 02:00 on Sunday.
The TV station, however, said Israeli forces were on high alert and “monitoring all targets”.
Iran had vowed to retaliate for an attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1, 2024, which killed seven military officers, including a top commander.
It accused Israel of carrying out that attack. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied it.
Shortly before news of Iran’s drone launch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country’s “defensive systems” were ready and deployed.
“We are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.
“We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries,” Netanyahu stated.
He noted that the country’s defence systems have been deployed and that Israel’s armed forces were ready.
“I established a clear principle – whoever hurts us, we hurt him. We will protect ourselves from any threat and we will do so with coolness and determination,” he added
