Iran has reportedly started its retaliatory attack on Israel by launching dozens of drones towards the Iron Dome, according to US and Israeli officials.

The Israeli army’s spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the drones to arrive. He said Israel was prepared. He spoke Saturday evening.

At least 50 drones are currently heading for Israel, BNO News reported. The IDF has ordered all Israeli residents to shelter in place.

Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.

This comes after an alleged cyber attack by Iran hit Israeli websites on Saturday and warned residents to stock up on food and water.

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For days, Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have threatened to “slap” Israel for its Syria strike.

Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran and is ready “for any scenario,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

“Whoever strikes us, we will strike them. We will defend ourselves against every threat and we will do this calmly and with determination,” he said.

The US, Israel’s main backer, has stood by the country despite growing concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza killing more than 33,600 Palestinians and wounding over 76,200 more. Israel’s war began after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw some 250 others taken hostage.

The Pentagon said Saturday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart “to discuss urgent regional threats … and made clear that Israel could count on full US support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies.” National security adviser Jake Sullivan also spoke with his counterpart to reinforce Washington’s “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.”

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