Iran has launched an attack on Israel with the regime saying sozens of drones and cruise missiles have been fired towards the Jewish state. 

The drones are set to take several hours before they hit Israeli airspace and the Israel Defense Force says it aims to intercept the attack in hours.

Sightings of the drones flying over Iraq have been reported.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main airport, has closed and flights heading to Israel have turned back as airspace over Israel closed.

The IDF said that citizens in some parts of Israel will be told to move to bunkers to brace for the attack.

In a televised statement to Israelis, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, said “We are ready to defuse scenarios”.

Hagari said there will be GPS disruptions as the military works to intercept the drones. Sirens will sound if the drones enter Israeli airspace, at the relevant locations.

This marks the first direct Iranian attack on Israeli territory since the Iranian regime promised retaliation for an attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

Airspace over Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon has also been shut.

Israel’s Channel 12 news said the US was the first to identify the launch and immediately notified Israel. US President Biden said this evening, “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.”

The IDF spokesman said the public will be warned of any additional attacks.

In a video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country was ready to defend itself and go on the attack.

“Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively,” said Netanyahu.

“The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.”

Netanyahu thanked the United States, the United Kingdom, France and other countries for their support.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a meeting of the war cabinet in Tel Aviv early morning April 14, 2024. (Courtesy)

“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” said Netanyahu.

“Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of the IDF Home Front Command. Together we will stand and with God’s help, together we will overcome all of our enemies,” he added.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the “Iranian regime's reckless attack against Israel.”

In a statement, the UK PM said: “The UK will continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation.”