Israel calls off school trips, puts forces on full alert amid Iran threat

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.

Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness.

Earlier in the day, Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement released by the Israeli army on Saturdaythat Iran would bear consequences for any escalation in the region.

"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," Hagari said, "Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond."

The statement was sent after the statement was made in reference to the seizure of a vessel between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel.

"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.