Iran has fired over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in a retaliatory attack for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month.
BBC Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, Hugo Bachega, said loud explosions were heard with the air defence systems shooting down objects over the city as the multiple interceptions lit up the night sky.
Israel had said the attack could take some hours to arrive, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is “ready for any scenario.”
Iran had warned that Israel would be “punished” for a strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April. Seven Revolutionary Guards, including two generals, and six Syrians were killed in the Damascus attack.
Israel had acknowledged carrying out hundreds of strikes in recent years on targets in Syria that it said were linked to Iran but had not claimed the Damascus strike.
President Biden has promised what he called “ironclad” support for Israel, saying the US would “do all we can to protect Israel’s security.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that drones had been launched from Iran towards Israel.
It said “A short while ago, Iran launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel. 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.
“We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.” (BBC)
