The war between Israel and Hamas is escalating at an alarming speed as Iran has fired hundreds of drones towards Israel on Saturday.
The Islamic Republic later announced the launch of ballistic missiles against Israel.
The attack will more likely see Israel fighting on multiple fronts – Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. The U.S. may also wade into the war on the side of Israel.
“Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address. “The State of Israel is strong.”
Israel’s military said fighter jets and navy vessels are “on a defense mission in Israeli airspace.”
The attack is “likely to unfold over a number of hours,” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. President Joe Biden is set to meet with his national security team at the White House on Saturday afternoon and is being updated on the situation, Watson said.
“President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” Watson said in a statement.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke Saturday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and “made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies,” according to a readout of their call provided by Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan also affirmed the U.S.’ “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel” in a call with his counterpart in Israel, Tzachi Hanegbi, Sullivan said Saturday.
Netanyahu said in an address he appreciates the U.S. and other allies’ support.
How long until the Iranian drones reach Israel?
The dozens of drones that were launched could take hours to arrive, according to Israel’s top-rated Channel 12 TV news. Retired general Amos Yadlin told the channel the drones were equipped with 20 kg of explosives. Israel’s military said sirens will sound in any threatened areas. Iran has threatened to retaliate for an April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven of its military commanders. Iran blames Israel for the attack, but Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.
Meanwhile, national security officials remained focused Saturday on Iran’s next steps, a second official said. Both officials were not authorized to speak publicly.
Biden confirmed Friday that U.S. intelligence showed that an Iranian attack on Israel could happen soon. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike. Iran blames Israel for the airstrike; Israel has not publicly acknowledged its role in the attack.
Iran’s anticipated retaliation comes as tensions have spiked in the Middle East as Israel’s war against Hamas continues. The Pentagon has bolstered defenses for the tens of thousands of U.S. troops in the region in advance of the prospect of an imminent attack on Israel and Western interests.