Netanyahu says Israel stands strong: IDF reveals it has shot down more than 200 drones and missiles fired by Iran with the help of the RAF

Israel has weathered a huge barrage of over 200 missiles and drones launched by Iran tonight that forced 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.

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 it

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.

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.' 

US President Joe Biden, third from right, meets with members of the National Security team regarding the unfolding missile attacks on Israel from Iran