13 April 2024 , 19:19
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Iran has launched pilotless drones at Israel, which will reach the country in hours, the Israeli military has confirmed.
It comes after Jordan closed its airspace as due to a "high alert" warning for a retaliation from Iran. Read Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel is "well prepared" for the attack during a televised statement.
He added: "We have prepared for diverse scenarios in advance. In order to intercept these launches, we have the circles of protection from both the navy and the air force on several levels."
State media has reported that Jordan will be temporarily closing its airspace this evening. Al Mamlaka News reported that incoming, departing and transit aircraft will all be prohibited from entering the airspace.
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US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan (AFP via Getty Images)It comes as forces across Israel are on "full alert" with the threat of Iran launching an attack in retaliation to Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy in Syria. Two generals and seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were killed in the strike in Damascus, which Tehran has blamed on Israel.
Speaking about the drones, Hagari added: "We are going to try to prevent them from reaching Israeli territory, that is our task. If they do enter Israeli airspace then you will hear sirens and alarms whenever these threats enter and we will intercept them."
Political reporter Barak Ravid took to X a short while ago to say: "Breaking: Iran launched an attack against Israel by launching drones, four American and Israeli sources told me."
The Israeli military has confirmed drones have been launched by Iran this evening (Getty Images)US national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed he spoke to Israel's national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi about events unfolding in the Middle East. He said: "During the call, I reiterated the United States' ironclad commitment to the security of Israel."
The Israeli military says it is on "full alert" as it prepares for an attack from Iran, claiming dozens of planes are airborne as part of its readiness. Earlier in the day, Iranian forces seized an Israel-linked cargo ship with 25 crew members on board, steering it towards Iran.
Iran has reportedly prepared 100 cruise missiles, ready for an "Imminent" strike on Israel, along with several drones. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pledged action in response to Israel's attack, which Tel-Aviv has not yet taken responsibility for.
Iranians burning an Israel flag during a demonstration last week (AFP via Getty Images)Elsewhere, Hamas has handed over its response to recent ceasefire talks to mediators in Egypt and Qatar. In a statement posted on Telegram, the militant group said: "Hamas reaffirms adherence to its demands and the national demands of our people.
"A permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and the places of residence, intensification of the entry of relief and aid and the start of reconstruction."
President Joe Biden cut his weekend trip to Delaware short and is expected to return to Washington this evening to discuss matters about the Iran and Israeli conflict.
On Friday, he hinted at a potential assault from Iran on Israel taking place "sooner than later". However, he added he did not wish to delve into classified information.
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Meanwhile. Israel is "closely monitoring a planned attack" by Iran and allies in the region, according to the country's defence minister. Yoav Gallant advised Israelis to heed any orders that could be issued by the military's Home Front Command. The authority has changed its defensive guidelines, banning educational activities across the country and limiting gatherings in open public spaces to 1,000 people.
Iranians attend an anti-Israel protest at Palestine square in Tehran (AFP via Getty Images)A missile onslaught aimed at Israel on Friday evening has sparked fears that the country's Iron Dome defence system could be overwhelmed, as a pundit ominously suggested the attack near the Galilee Panhandle, close to Lebanon's border, might be a ploy to exhaust Israel's defences ahead of an impending Iranian counterstrike.
Terrifying footage circulating on social media captured the moment Israel's Iron Dome valiantly intercepted incoming missiles, detonating them in the sky above towns on the border. The clips depict a volley of rockets being launched over the frontier, which are then met by a flurry of Israeli counter-rockets.