Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is prepared for a direct attack from Iran and will respond in kind, the Times of Israel reported.

"Citizens of Israel, in recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack by Iran," Netanyahu said in a video message.

"Our defense systems are deployed, and we are ready for any scenario, both in defense and attack. The State of Israel is strong, the Israel Defence Forces are strong, the public is strong. We are grateful to the US for standing by Israel's side and for the support of Britain, France, and many other countries," he said.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that Iran launched dozens of drones towards Israel in response to an Israeli airstrike on the IRI consulate in Damascus.