Reports indicate that on Saturday evening, Iran initiated a drone attack towards Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Israel Defense Forces released a statement stating that Iran had deployed unmanned aerial vehicles "from within its territory towards Israel."
"The IDF remains on high alert and is continuously monitoring the operational situation," the statement emphasized. "The IDF Aerial Defense Array, in conjunction with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels, is on high alert and engaged in a defense mission within Israeli airspace. All targets are being closely monitored by the IDF."
No further information regarding the assault has been disclosed at this time. Israeli officials informed CBS News that it might take several hours before the drones breach Israeli airspace.
Iran's actions are believed to be in response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Israeli Prime Minister Addresses Citizens Amid Rising Tensions
In a video address on Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured Israeli citizens of the country's preparedness for a potential direct attack from Iran. Netanyahu stated, "In recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran. Our defense systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong."
President Biden Returns to White House Amidst Rising Tensions
President Biden returned to the White House on Saturday in anticipation of a possible attack. The White House announced that Biden would meet with the National Security Council principals to address the escalating events in the Middle East. Earlier, Biden received briefings from National Security Advisor Sullivan and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Finer.
International Concerns Grow as Iran Seizes Israeli-Affiliated Ship
Tensions escalated further as commandos from a special forces unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. government called for the immediate release of the vessel and its international crew, condemning the seizure as a violation of international law.
Global Response to the Situation
President Biden had previously urged Iran not to proceed with any hostile actions, emphasizing a message of restraint. The U.S. also dispatched a senior general to Israel to coordinate potential responses to an Iranian attack, underscoring the close relationship between the two allies.
Heightened security measures were implemented at all U.S. embassies across the Middle East, with emergency action committee meetings being held. Diplomats stationed in Lebanon and Israel were specifically advised against traveling to certain areas within those countries.
Reports from state media indicated that Jordan had decided to close its airspace "due to the increasing risks in the region." Additionally, Israel announced the temporary closure of their airspace from 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. local time.
