A full-scale war between Israel and Iran is intensifying.
On the 13th, after Israel launched airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran as part of Operation 'Rising Lion', Iran retaliated immediately with drone attacks. Israel is also showing signs of a prolonged conflict, warning of further offensives.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on the 13th that "Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel."
According to Israeli media The Times of Israel, Efi Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, noted, "In the last few hours, Iran has launched more than 100 drones towards Israel," adding, "All defense systems are operational to intercept the threats."
The drones launched by Iran are expected to take several hours to reach Israel.
Iran has opted for direct airstrikes using its ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for Israel's attacks.
Iran has previously struck Israeli territory directly twice during the war in the Gaza Strip.
In retaliation for the airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria last April, Iran launched airstrikes on Israeli territory for the first time during Operation 'Promise of Truth', firing more than 200 missiles and drones towards Israel.
In October of the same year, it carried out the 'Second Promise of Truth' operation in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Hanni, launching more than 180 ballistic missiles.
Brigadier General Efi Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said at a press conference that day, "About 200 Israeli fighter jets participated in the operation, targeting over 100 sites," and he remarked, "The attacks are ongoing."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hinted at further attacks, stating in a video statement early on the 13th, "We will continue to fight as long as necessary. We will achieve even greater results."
Netanyahu presented the rationale that this airstrike would end the 20-month-long war between Israel and groups supported by Iran, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
He further stated, "We had to act swiftly to eliminate the threat of Iran's nuclear armament."
Netanyahu remarked that Israel is facing "difficult but great days ahead." He also repeatedly referred to the Holocaust as a reason not to take a nuclear-armed Iran lightly.
Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, spoke to Fox News early on the 13th, saying, "We know there will be fierce days ahead. And we are preparing for that," adding, "We are getting the Israeli people ready for it."