Iran Attacks Israel With 100 Drones, Schools Closed, Parade Canceled

UNSPLASH/so very/Tel Aviv ILLUSTRATION, Israel

JAKARTA - The streets of Tel Aviv reportedly looked calm on Friday morning local time. The country's leader stepped up the public to prepare for Iran's retaliation after Israel launched a massive offensive against Iran.

The military closed schools across the country and banned public gatherings and canceled the annual Tel Aviv Pride parade, which typically attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the city.

"We have experienced this scenario twice," said Uri, who is 31 years old, while sitting on a bench outside the supermarket.

"Honestly, I don't care. I'll just go to a shelter and I'll be fine," he said when asked if he had any concerns about his own safety.

Iran fired hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel in two attacks last year in response to an Israeli attack, which rocked the Israeli people but caused only minor damage.

Tehran vowed to retaliate against Israel's early Friday attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities that killed several high-ranking commanders.

Israel said it was in the form of intercepting 100 unmanned aircraft launched by Iran, but had not yet reached Israel.

Israelis have been told to prepare to spend hours in bomb shelters, with the government warning that they will carry out a prolonged attack on their arch-foe.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack on Iran was a decisive step to protect Israel from future existential threats.

Over the past year, Israel has publicly clashed with Tehran, firing salvo rockets deep into Iran.

After the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on the Israeli community in October 2023, Israel dispersed many of Iran's allies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In Gaza, which has turned into a stretch of vacant land by Israel's devastating military operations, some hope the attack on Iran can pave the way for the end of the war on the coastal area.

"We hope this time Iran will push for a comprehensive solution," said Abu Abdallah, a Palestinian businessman who fled south of Gaza.