Israel closed schools and suspended public gatherings as a way to defend itself from the Iranian offensive
Iran launched this Saturday (April 13, 2024) an attack with dozens of drones against Israel. The information was confirmed by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and the United States government.
“Earlier, Iran launched drones from within its territory towards Israel. The IDF is on high alert and monitoring the situation. The IDF's air defense is on high alert, along with Israeli fighter jets and naval ships that are on a mission to defend Israeli air and naval space. The IDF is monitoring all targets”, he said in statement official on X (formerly Twitter).
The Israeli army asked the population to remain calm because the country is ready to react. “Continue to act calmly and responsibly, as you have done until now and make sure you follow the guidelines. The IDF is prepared and ready in all its defensive and offensive systems; we prepare for a variety of scenarios in advance“, he said.
Israeli Army spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed to local media that the country's planes took off from a base in southern Israel. It is the beginning of the defensive movement. The country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Israel was ready for a “direct attack” from Iran.
According to Israeli media, hundreds of drones were launched. The distance from Iran to Israel is 1,500 km. The journey, according to the Israeli army, takes hours.
Watch the official statement from the army spokesperson (1m10s):
The White House pronounced About the subject. US President Joe Biden declared support for the Israelis.
Here is the statement from the Americans:
“Iran launched an air strike against Israel. President Joe Biden is being briefed frequently on the situation by his national security council and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House. His team is in constant contact with the Israeli military as well as other partners and allies. This attack is likely to materialize within a few hours. President Joe Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is unyielding. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”
Country closed
Earlier, the Iran seized, near the Strait of Hormuz, a cargo ship that it says is “linked to Israel”. It was identified as the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, which would have departed from a port in the United Arab Emirates to India.
The region is experiencing heightened tension after an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria left at least 8 dead on April 1st. Both countries blamed the attack on Israel.
“The ship has now been guided into our country’s territorial waters”reported Iran's state-owned company, GO TO.
Israel announced a series of internal prevention measures before the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country is prepared “for the possibility of a direct attack” and called the war cabinet to a meeting.
The Israeli army closed schools starting this Sunday (April 14), considered the 1st day of the week in the country, there will be no educational activities, said Army spokesman Daniel Hagari in a statement.
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