Israel puts forces on full alert and bans school trips over fears of Iran attack

Israel has announced that it has put its forces on full alert and banned school trip over fears Iran is set to launch an attack in the country.

Other youth activities planned for the coming days, at the beginning of the Passover festival, have also been called off over the potential of an Iranian attack.

Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, Israeli Defence Minister Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel is “closely monitoring a planned attack” by Iran and its allies in the region.

Mr Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness and urged Israelis to heed any orders that might be issued by the military’s Home Front Command.

The authority is responsible for mapping incoming missiles and other aerial threats to let the public know whether to take shelter.

The Home Front Command has also changed its defensive guidelines, prohibiting educational activities across the country and limiting gatherings in open spaces to 1,000 people.

The announcement comes following the seizure of a ship by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commandos in the Strait of Hormuz near the United Arab Emirates today, which Iran’s state media claimed was “linked to Israel” and could pose a threat to Iranian security.

This breaking story is being updated.