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Footage circulating on social media purports to show an Iranian Shahed 136 drone flying over Iraq, amid Iran’s attack on Israel.
Iran has launched dozens of drones at Israel, which are expected to take several hours to reach the country, officials have said.
Amos Yadlin, the former head of IDF military intelligence, says it is appropriate that Israel is preparing as needed, but believes “the public can sleep soundly” tonight.
Speaking on Channel 12, as Israel confirmed that Iran has launched dozens of drones at Israel, Yadlin highlighted Israel’s array of missile defense systems and other capabilities.
He notes that the Iranian drones, which are several hours away, carry a 20-kilogram warhead, which “the simplest bomb shelter” can protect against, and says he estimates that the drones are likely headed only to military targets.
Iran has launched its long-anticipated attack against Israel using hundreds of drones followed by cruise missiles. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that drones were launched from Iran.
He said the Israeli Air Force is tracking the drones, while noting that they will take several hours to reach the country.
Hagari warned that there will be GPS disruptions as the military works to intercept the drones.
State-linked media in Iran is reporting that a second wave of drones has been launched by the Islamic Republic at Israel.
Sirens will only sound if the drones enter Israeli airspace, at the relevant locations, Hagari said, adding that the IDF will work to intercept the targets as early as possible.
Israel's Channel 12 says the US was the first to identify the launch of drones and immediately notified Israel.
Israel's official Persian X account quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying, "In recent years, especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are ready, we are prepared for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. Israel is strong, the Israeli army is strong, and the people of Israel are strong." There is no immediate statement from the IDF on news about the reported attack.
Al Arabiya quoted an unnamed US official as saying that the drones were launched from Iranian territory.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a press statement confirmed that dozens of drones launched from within Iran are heading toward Israel.
He said the Israeli Air Force is tracking the drones, while noting that they will take several hours to reach the country.
Hagari warned that there will be GPS disruptions as the military works to intercept the drones.
Sirens will only sound if the drones enter Israeli airspace, at the relevant locations, Hagari said and added that the IDF will work to intercept the targets as early as possible.
Israel's Channel 12 reported that the US was the first to identify the launch and immediately notified Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is ready for a direct attack from Iran and will respond in kind.
“Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran,” the premier says in a video statement.
“Our defense systems are deployed, and we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and offense. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.”
“We appreciate the US for standing by Israel’s side as well as the support of the UK, France and many other countries.”
“I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. We will defend ourselves from any threat and we will do so calmly and with determination.”
