Israel stands strong: IDF reveals it has shot down more than 200 drones and ... trends now
Israel has weathered a huge barrage of over 200 missiles and drones launched by Iran tonight that forced innocent civilians to flee to bomb shelters across the nation.
Iran sent the salvo of missiles in response to a drone strike at the beginning of April in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media: 'The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime's crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran's embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.'
Missiles have begun to enter Israeli airspace, with video shared with MailOnline showing them being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem, forcing citizens to run to shelters across the city. Sources on the ground said that alarms have still not been raised in Tel Aviv, Israel's most populous city.
Iran claims to have dealt 'heavy blows' to an airbase in Negev, though the IDF said only minor damage was caused. The IDF added that the vast majority of the missiles and drones have been shot down, with one small girl being injured by falling shrapnel.
Iranian media reported that while Tehran's barrage of ballistic missiles has concluded, the drones and cruise missiles are yet to enter Israeli airspace. Iran has vowed to take further 'defensive measures' if Israel chooses to respond to the salvo.
Yemen-based Houthis have also claimed to have shot 'dozens' of rockets towards an IDF base in the north-east of Israel. it is not currently known if the Houthi attacks are linked to Iran's salvo.
The UK, among Israel's closest allies, and other nations have reportedly begun to support Israel by sending fighter jets to shoot down the drones and missiles. US officials added that their military also intercepted drones and missiles heading to Israel.
Britain has sent jets to support Israel as it is attacked by Iran The US is sending a naval task force with over 2,500 marines But many of Iran's Middle East allies, including Qatar and Kuwait, are rallying around itAround a hundred drones and missiles were fired at Israel
People wave Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israel rally after Iran launched drone attacks against Israel at Palestine Square in Tehran, Iran
One video shared with MailOnline showed the Iron Dome intercepting a missile
Iranians were seen celebrating as news of the attack broke
Iranians celebrate on a street, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran
Israel's cabinet is currently meeting to discuss how to deal with the attack from Iran
The IDF's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said that the Iranian attack was 'a severe and dangerous escalation' in tensions, adding: 'Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.'
The IDF said: 'The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country's skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.
'We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.'
Israel's allies have begun to send in military assets in to help Israel.
US Congressional sources say the amphibious war ship Bataan is leading a US naval task force in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bataan has two support ships and together they have about 2,500 Marines onboard. The US also has several guided missile destroyers including the Carney in the area.
US bases in Iraq have been placed on full alert and will also attempt to shoot down missiles and drones aimed at Israel. In addition, the US has two destroyers and a Cruiser in the Red Sea that are fully armed with anti-missile weapons and they too are under orders to shoot down any Israeli bound missiles or drones.
But Iran has threatened the US if it gets involved in the spat, claiming that it is a conflict between Iran and Israel alone.
Iran's mission to the UN wrote on X: 'Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus.
'The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!'
Iran's foreign ministry, meanwhile, said in statement to local media: 'Iran, if necessary, will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions and unlawful use of force while reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.'
Israel is expected to launch a counterattack against Iran. Former IDF captain Caroline Glick told MailOnline: '[Iran's] overthrow is the key to the restoration of regional stability. Just last week, when a regime authority called for a moment of silence in memory of the Iranian terror masters Israel killed in Damascus two weeks ago, the crowd instead began calling for the overthrow of the regime.'
President Joe Biden, third from right, meets with members of the National Security team regarding the unfolding missile attacks on Israel from Iran
Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel
Missiles have begun to enter Israeli airspace, with images from international media revealing missiles being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem
Iranian media reported that Tehran has also launched its first round of ballistic missiles towards Israel
The salvo of missiles and drones have begun to enter Israel airspace
The night sky above Jerusalem was lit up by missiles
Inside Iran, many were seen joyously celebrating as news of the attack broke.
Iranians were seen taking to the streets of Tehran with flares and Iranian flags, whooping and cheering as the missiles and drones entered Israeli airspace.
Surrounding countries appear to have begun preparations for an escalation in hostilities.
Jordan, Israel's eastern neighbour, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and internal flights. Its government refuted reported that it had ordered its armed forces to shoot down any drones that flew through its airspace.
Syria is also on high alert, setting up its ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said.
Sources told Reuters they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.
Lebanon, which lies to Israel's north, is also closing its airspace at 1am local time.
Qatar and Kuwait have both issued directives against the US prohibiting the use of their airspace for any potential military action against Iran.
People holding Iranian flags gather to stage a demonstration in support of Iran's attack on Israel in Tehran
The IRGC has promised for increased violence if Israel responds to the attack
Iranians celebrate on a street, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran
US military aircraft are stationed at the Ali Al Salem Air Base and the Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, as well as the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US airbase in the Middle East.
But Egypt's foreign ministry urged both sides to exercise restraint, saying in a statement: 'Egypt expresses its deep concern about the indicators of Iranian/Israeli escalation and demands the exercise of the utmost restraint
'The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its deep concern regarding the announced launch of Iranian offensive marches against Israel, and the indicators of dangerous escalation between the two countries during the recent period, calling for the exercise of the utmost restraint to spare the region.
'And its people are more factors for instability and