IRAN ATTACKS ISRAEL: In major escalation, Tehran launches at least 100 military drones at Israeli cities — IDF prepares to retaliate

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — At this hour, 10 million Israelis are bracing for an attack by air that is already in motion.

U.S. and Israeli intelligence sources indicate that at least 100 military drones or UAVs — unmanned aerial vehicles — have been fired at Israel.

They are evidence yes to take about seven hours to reach Israeli soil.

Within the last few minutes, Hebrew and English language media outlets here in Israel began reporting that in a major escalation of the last six months of war, the leadership of the Iranian regime decided on Saturday evening to launch the attack.

Dozens of Israeli fighter jets have been scrambled and are preparing to shoot down the UAVs.

Israeli air defenses — including Patriot and Arrow systems and the David’s Sling system — are in high alert to intercept the drones, as well.

All Israeli schools have been ordered closed on Sunday which is the first day of the work week in Israel.

“It’s begun,” wrote Rob Satloff, head of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, on X (formerly known as Twitter) moments ago. “For the first time since Saddam Hussein lobbed SCUD (ballistic missiles) in 1991, the government of a UN-member state -- not a terrorist group, militia or proxy — has launched a major attack against Israel.”

“With US support,” Satloff added, “let’s hope Israel defends successfully so this failed attack is just another example of the failure of Iran’s failed revolution.”

Here is the official IDF statement issued at 11:13pm local time.

IDF: 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 airspace. 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.

This marks the first time in history that the Iranian regime has launched a direct military attack on Israel from Iranian soil, rather than using terror proxy forces like Hamas or Hezbollah.

This marks a dramatic escalation.

Two big questions.

First, will the IDF be able to intercept and shoot down all the Iranian UAVs before they reach Israeli airspace, do damage and injure or kill Israelis?

Second, how big will Israel’s retaliation be — and would that be the end, or just the beginning of a major new aspect to this war?