Israel, Iran: Most drones launched by Iran towards Israel overnight April 13-14 intercepted; no direct casualties or notable damage /update 2

Israeli and US officials have announced the interception of most of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran toward Israel overnight April 13-14. The attack, which reportedly involved around 170 drones, more than 120 ballistic missiles, and more than 30 cruise missiles, lasted around five hours. There are no immediate reports of direct casualties or notable infrastructural damage as a result of the Iranian strikes, though around 31 people suffered minor injuries or panic attacks while making their way to shelters. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) states that a small number of ballistic missiles landed on the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, causing light structural damage; however, the base remains operational following the attack. The incident prompted Israel to close its airspace from 00:30 April 14. The Israel Airports Authority has not specified when flight operations will resume. Israeli officials claim that some of the weapons launched in the attack were fired from Iraq and Yemen.

Iran states that the attack, which marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel, is in retaliation for an airstrike that destroyed Iran's consulate building in Damascus, Syria, April 1. Seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials were allegedly killed, most notably including Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the IRGC Quds Force, who led units in Lebanon and Syria. Both Iran and Syria had blamed Israel for the attack, though the latter has not claimed responsibility. Iran has warned of a more severe response if Israel retaliates over this weekend's strikes.

The IDF also announced that Hizballah launched more than 55 rockets from Lebanon to Israel early April 14. Further projectile attacks by Hizballah and other Iran-backed proxy groups against Israel are possible in the short term.

Israeli authorities have temporarily closed educational institutions and imposed gathering restrictions, limiting gatherings in some places to 1,000 people amid the heightened tensions. Officials may tighten these restrictions or issue new controls over the coming hours in response to the Iranian attack.

Heightened security and significant disruptions to business and transport, including major flight disruptions, are likely across Israel over the coming hours. Retaliatory Israeli attacks on Iranian military assets and interests are possible across the Middle East, including in Iran itself, over the short term.