Iran-Israel latest news: Drone and missile attack launched against in retaliation for Syria strikes

Here is a map of the region as Iran fires dozens of drones and other missiles towards Israel, in what the IDF has called a “large-scale attack” which represents a “severe and dangerous escalation”.

It currently is unclear where the attack, dubbed Operation True Promise by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was launched from.

Israel has paused schooling throughout the country and banned gatherings of 1,000 people, starting from tomorrow.

IDF Commanding Officer of Israel’s Home Front Command, MG Rafi Milo, said in a statement: “We have been at war on several fronts for over six months. Throughout the war we have faced and have confronted a large number of challenges in a very wide variety of threats, we learned and improved – we are prepared and strong in both defence and offence.

“In light of the situational assessment, we have decided to change the defensive guidelines. Starting tomorrow, throughout the country, there will be no educational activity. Also, gatherings of over 1,000 people are prohibited.

“You are required to continue to vigilantly adhere to the guidelines, they may change based on the situational assessment. So far, your conduct and adherence to the guidelines has been exceptional, keep it up – it saves lives. The Home Front Command is deployed and prepared throughout the country.

“The alert system is prepared and ready, together with the heads of the authorities and the emergency response organisations – we will overcome this challenge.”

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pictured convening his war cabinet as Israel seeks to repel dozens of drones and missiles fired by Iran.

The IDF had previously confirmed that Mr Netanyahu’s plane was airborne, which it said was for “operational reasons”.

Joe Biden has cut short a weekend trip to his Delaware beach house and is returning to the White House on Saturday to meet with his national security team and monitor the situation in the Middle East.

The White House denied claims the US president was set to give an Oval Office address, saying he was not expected to speak to the nation.

Mr Biden is being regularly updated by his national security team and is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as US partners and allies, White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

Israel has described Iran’s “large-scale attack” as a “severe and dangerous escalation”.

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a statement: “Iran has launched a direct attack from Iranian soil toward the State of Israel. We are closely monitoring Iranian killer drones that are en-route to Israel sent by Iran.

“This is a severe and dangerous escalation. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large- scale attack from Iran.

“Together with our partners, the Israel Defense Forces is operating at full-force to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel.

“This is a mission that we are determined and ready to fulfill.”

Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 TV has reported that Iran had launched a total of around 100 drones and cruise missiles at Israeli targets on Saturday and that some were shot down over Syria or Jordan.

Rishi Sunak has condemned Iran’s “reckless attack” and said Britain was “urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation”.

In a new statement, the prime minister said: “I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that all of our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

The Israeli military has identified more than 100 drones launched from Iran an is preparing for additional waves of attacks, which may also include missiles, the Times of Israel reports.

Dozens of IAF fighter jets are currently in the skies and are prepared to strike wherever needed, the IDF was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Naming their attack as “Operation True Promise”, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards insisted it was part of punishment for “Israeli crimes”, Iranian state TV reports, according to Reuters.