Iran launched many drones and missiles against Israel in response for the airstrike on its consulate in Syria that claimed the lives of three senior generals, The Times of Israel said. This marked a significant uptick in the military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it had launched an attack on Israel. The IDF had earlier this month attacked a consular compound in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of numerous IRGC members, including two generals.

According to the IRGC, it will use dozens of drones and missiles—presumably cruise missiles—to strike particular targets in Israel.

This occurs almost two weeks following an airstrike by Israel.

Israel’s army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, stated late on Saturday that “Iran launched UAVs from its territory towards the territory of the state of Israel,” according to Al Jazeera.

Speaking in a televised speech, he continued, “We are on high alert and ready,” adding that it would take many hours for the drones to enter Israeli airspace.

The Times of Israel announced that Tehran had begun carrying out its threatened retaliation for the attack on the consulate. They cited social media footage that went viral and appeared to show an Iranian Shahed 136 drone allegedly flying over Iraq on its way to Israel.

Since attacking Damascus on April 1, Israel has been on high alert and has not released an official comment on the incident.

Fears of a further escalation in relations were raised when Iran pledged to exact revenge.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the incident by stating that his nation was ready for a “direct attack from Iran”.

Israel is “closely monitoring a planned attack” by Iran and its regional allies against it, according to Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.