Iran ‘launches wave of drone strikes’ on Israel: Israeli military put on full alert, with fighter jets scrambled and school trips canceled – as Middle East war threatens to spiral out of control

Iran has reportedly launched dozens of drones to attack Israel after Israel announced it was closing all schools over fears of an upcoming attack by the state.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid said four US and Israeli officials told him about the attack, though further details were scarce. Israeli media also backed up the reporting, adding that it could be hours before they reach Israel.

Announcing the heightened security measures in a televised briefing, top military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of fighter jets were in the air as part of the state of alert.

From 11pm tonight, the strict measures, which include banning all ‘educational activities’ across the country, restricting work in offices without ‘standard protected rooms’ and limits on the number of people at gatherings, will be implemented.

Educational activities have been banned throughout the country, while restrictions have been imposed on working in areas directly adjacent to the Gaza Strip and other areas in the Gaza envelope.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated massively in the past few weeks

Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel for razing its embassy in Damascus, Syria

Israelis living in the areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip have been banned from meeting outside in groups of more than 30 and must 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 06:00 local time, urging Israelis to remain alert and go to bomb shelters if they hear warnings.

‘We take every possible step to ensure your safety.

“Since the start of the war, we have faced a number of threats sent here by Iran’s proxies and adjusted 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 United States, and we are maintaining close coordination with them,” he added.

Hagari’s televised message came as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a meeting with top-level defense officials, including IDF chief Herzi Halevi.

Gallant said the IDF is ‘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, in the State of Israel and with our partners, led by the United States.

‘Iran is a terrorist state – the world sees 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 fired from Lebanon towards Israel across the Israeli-Lebanese border, seen from northern Israel, April 12, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly heading to IDF headquarters in Hakirya for security consultations with top military officials in light of the threat of attack from Iran.

He said in a prepared televised statement: ‘Our defense systems are deployed and we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.’

“We appreciate the US standing by Israel as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.”

‘I have established a clear principle – whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. We will defend ourselves against any threat, and we will do so calmly and decisively.’

‘I know that you, the citizens of Israel, are also keeping calm. I urge you to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command.’

‘Together we stand, and with God’s help we will overcome all our enemies together,’

The surrounding countries seem to have begun to prepare for an escalation of hostilities.

Jordan, Israel’s eastern neighbor, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, outgoing and internal flights.

The increased security measures were announced hours after Iranian commandos seized control of an Israeli-linked container ship as it sailed in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s main shipping chokepoints.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have been massively escalated after the IDF killed 12 people, including two top military figures, in an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria’s capital, Damascus, on April 1.

More to follow.