Iran has carried out a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict by launching a drone strike targeting Israel.

Iran launched a significant escalation of conflict in the Middle East by deploying dozens of drones towards Israel late on Saturday night, with the attack expected to extend over several hours. The assault, which also reportedly involved missiles according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was a response to an airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier in the month that resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military officials. Israeli officials noted that this marked the first instance of Iran launching an attack on Israel from Iranian territory. The attack unfolded in multiple waves, with Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari cautioning citizens to seek shelter in safe rooms if sirens sounded in their areas, and Israel disabling GPS capabilities across the country as a precaution.

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Iran launched over 100 drones, according to an Israeli military spokesperson, prompting Israel to deploy numerous aircraft to intercept them before they could reach Israeli airspace. Current and former U.S. officials indicated that Iran’s drones likely had predetermined targets and couldn’t be redirected mid-flight. Israel’s missile defense system, the Iron Dome, was poised to intercept any incoming cruise or ballistic missiles. U.S. intelligence had been monitoring Iran’s missile preparations for several days.

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, claimed responsibility for launching rockets toward an Israeli military base in the occupied Golan Heights early Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured the nation in a Saturday address, stating that Israel was prepared for any situation, defensively and offensively. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to retaliate against any threat with determination and prudence.

The White House confirmed the drone attack on Israel, stating that President Biden would closely monitor the situation from the Situation Room, alongside top defense and diplomatic officials.

National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson reiterated President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel’s security, emphasizing that the United States stands with Israel in defense against threats from Iran.

The attack occurred just four days after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pledged retaliation for an April 1 strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Iran attributed the strike to Israel, claiming it resulted in the deaths of seven members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the attack.

As anticipation mounted for potential retaliation, Israeli officials cautioned residents in communities near Gaza and the Lebanon border to limit gatherings and remain indoors or close to shelters. Schools across Israel were closed until Monday as a precautionary measure.