Iran reportedly launched dozens of drones to attack Israel, after Israel announced the closure of all schools over fears of an imminent state attack.
Axios reporter Barak Ravid said four U.S. and Israeli officials spoke to him about the attack, although details were scant. Israeli media also confirmed the reports, adding that it could be hours before they reach Israel.
Announcing the increased security measures during a televised press briefing, chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of fighter jets were in the air as part of the readiness.
Starting at 11 p.m. tonight, strict measures, which include banning all “educational activities” nationwide, restricting work in offices without “standard protected spaces” and limiting the number of people at gatherings, will be implemented.
Educational activities were banned throughout the country, while restrictions on work were put in place in areas directly adjacent to the Gaza Strip and in other areas of the Gaza envelope.
Israelis living in areas near the Gaza Strip are prohibited from meeting outdoors in groups of more than 30 people and are allowed to gather up to 300 people inside buildings. Beaches in the Gaza envelope were also closed to the public.
Hagari said in his televised address that the directive would be reassessed at 6 a.m. local time, and urged Israelis to remain vigilant and head to bomb shelters if they hear warnings.
Israeli schools closed in response to Iranian threats
Tensions between Israel and Iran have increased significantly in recent weeks.
Iran has threatened revenge on Israel for destroying its embassy in Damascus, Syria.
“We are taking every possible measure to ensure your safety.
“Since the start of the war, we have faced various threats sent here by Iran’s proxies and have adapted our defense and attack systems accordingly,” Hagari said, adding that the IDF was “fully prepared » to Iranian attacks.
“Air Force defense and attack formations are on alert and dozens of aircraft are in the sky. We are conducting an assessment of the situation 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 senior defense officials, including IDF chief Herzi Halevi.
Gallant said the IDF was “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, within the State of Israel and with our partners, led by the United States.
“Iran is a terrorist state – the world is seeing this more than ever.”
The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, central Israel, November 5, 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly visiting IDF headquarters in Hakirya for security consultations with senior 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 Israeli army is strong, public opinion is strong.
“We appreciate the United States for its support of Israel as well as the support of the United Kingdom, France and many other countries.”
“I have established a clear principle: whoever harms us, we will harm him. We will defend ourselves against any threat and we will do so with calm and determination.
“I know that you, citizens of Israel, also remain calm. I urge you to listen to the directives of the Home Front Command.
“Together we stand strong, and with God’s help, together we will defeat all our enemies.” »
Neighboring countries appear to have started preparing for an escalation of hostilities.
Jordan, Israel’s eastern neighbor, has temporarily closed its airspace to all inbound, outbound and domestic flights.
The heightened security measures were announced hours after Iranian commandos took control of an Israel-linked container ship as it traveled through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the country’s most serious maritime chokepoints. most important in the world.
Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated significantly after the IDF killed 12 people, including two senior military officials, in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.
More soon.
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