Middle East on edge: Iran sends 100 drones towards Israel, IDF responds with defences

Jerusalem: Tensions escalated sharply on Friday as Iran launched a retaliatory wave of around 100 drones towards Israeli territory, according to a statement from the Israeli military.

"Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israeli territory, which we are working to intercept," said IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin during a media briefing.

The drone strike comes just hours after Israel carried out one of its largest aerial operations in history, with 200 fighter jets targeting nearly 100 strategic sites across Iran. Among those reportedly killed were Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the commander of Iran’s emergency military operations.

The Israeli Defence Forces have said they are actively working to intercept the incoming drones using advanced air defence systems. The situation remains highly fluid, with authorities urging the public to follow safety advisories issued by the Home Front Command.

The dramatic exchange marks a dangerous new phase in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.