IRAN FIRES 200+ MISSILES & DRONES AT ISRAEL: PM Netanyahu meeting with War Cabinet, IDF says Israel is ‘prepared and ready’ for any scenario

Sirens and interceptions were heard across the nation of Israel on Saturday night, hours after hundreds of drones and missiles were launched from Iran toward its territory. Israelis reported hearing large explosions in several cities and towns and posted videos of the attack underway.

While the entire country is on high alert, the IDF has issued special guidance for residents of the northern Golan Heights and southern cities, such as Dimona and Eilat. They were requested to stay near protective spaces until further notice.

Considering the tense unprecedented situation, the IDF Home Front Command has prohibited large public gatherings of more than 1,000 people. School and educational activities were also canceled for Sunday and Monday.  

Israeli citizens were ordered to “continue to vigilantly adhere to the guidelines" and that "they may change based on the situational assessment.”

Earlier on Saturday, IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari confirmed the Iranian attack had begun with the launch of dozens of aerial vehicles (UAVs) toward Israel. He later confirmed that missiles were launched, as well.

“The IDF is prepared and ready across all its defensive and offensive systems; we have prepared for a variety of scenarios in advance,” he noted.

Hagari added: “The Aerial Defense Array is fully operational and is intercepting threats wherever required, even at this very moment. At this time, numerous IAF planes are in the air, ready to counter any threat… We are strong and capable of handling this event. The IDF will do whatever it takes to protect the citizens of the State of Israel.”

He warned Israeli citizens they may hear explosions from interceptions or debris falling.

While the drones take several hours to strike their target, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles take a much shorter time to reach their destination. According to Iranian media outlets, such missiles were also launched toward the Jewish state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is participating in late-night War Cabinet meetings, posted a video message to the citizens of Israel, which included a warning to Iran.  

“In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong,” said Netanyahu.

The Israeli premier highlighted that Israel is ready to repel that Iranian attack with help from its international allies, noting: “We appreciate the US standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries.”

“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination… Together we will stand and with G-d's help – together we will overcome all of our enemies,” said Netanyahu.

A long list of countries expressed their support for Israel and issued strong condemnation for Iran’s unprecedented attack. Among them were the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, France, Austria and The Netherlands.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote in a statement on Saturday night: “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard. The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”