dead sea half day tour from tel aviv

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Dead Sea Tours

The Dead Sea is famous for various reasons: it is the lowest point on earth (below sea level!), the water is so salty that you can even read a newspaper while you float, and its mud has amazing benefits for the skin! It is also a beautiful place surrounded by many attractions you definitely can’t miss on your trip to Israel.

We’ve patnered with Abraham Tours to offer you some of the best tours of the Dead Sea! Abraham Tours caters for backpackers and independent travellers – and locals who want to explore Tel Aviv, Israel, The West Bank, Jordan and Petra! Meet fun people, with unique, fascinating, thought provoking tours, all at affordable prices.

* Get 10% discount using this special discount code – see pictures below.  Please make sure to book through our links so that we can get a little commission ❤️.

Tours from Tel Aviv

Masada, ein gedi & dead sea tour from.

Abraham Tours | Daily | English | 1 Day | 315 NIS

For morning people! This tour takes you to hike your way up Masada early in the morning so you can enjoy the beautiful view just when the sun is rising. Visit the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and finish the day relaxing in the Dead Sea. Read more

Please make sure to book through our links so that we can get a little commission ❤️.

MASADA SUNRISE, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR

This tour takes you to three of Israel’s most iconic sites: Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea. You’ll depart in the early morning hours so that you can arrive at Masada in time to see the sunrise gleam over the desert and the Jordanian Mountains. Read more

JEEP & CHILL TOUR: JUDEAN DESERT AND DEAD SEA ADVENTURE

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | 1 Day | 480 NIS

Jeep through the rugged Judean Desert, visiting ancient monasteries and Bedouin villages. Soak up the views of the Dead Sea from atop Masada, then float in the world’s saltiest water or coat yourself in mineral-rich mud. Read More

DEAD SEA CHILL OUT TOUR

Abraham Tours | Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday | English | Half Day | 180 NIS

The Dead Sea Chill Out Tour is the perfect way to unwind and relax while taking in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Read More

Tours from Jerusalem

Abraham Tours | Daily | Not Guided | English | 5 hours | 150 NIS/ $47

Perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the Dead Sea, float in the water, cover yourself in the therapeutic mud and spend the day on the beach. Read more .

MASADA SUNRISE, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Daily | Hiking | English | 10 hours | 285 NIS/ $78

For morning people! This tour takes you to hike your way up Masada early in the morning so you can enjoy the beautiful view just when the sun is rising. Visit the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and finish the day relaxing in the Dead Sea. Read more .

MASADA, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Daily | English | 9 hours | 285 NIS/ $78

If you are not loving the idea of waking up super early, this tour  will take you to the same amazing places as the Masada Sunrise Tour but later in the day. Visit and learn the history of Masada (go up with the cable car!), hike trough Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and enjoy the Dead Sea and its salty water. Read more . 

JEEP & CHILL TOUR: JUDEAN DESERT AND DEAD SEA ADVENTURE FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | 1 Day | 450 NIS

On this tour, you’ll explore the rugged beauty of the Judean Desert, witness ancient traditions, and visit one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world. You’ll also have the chance to float in the famous salty water of the Dead Sea or immerse yourself in its mineral-rich mud. Read More

JUDEAN DESERT JEEP TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | Half Day | 350 NIS

Get ready for a thrilling off-road adventure as we leave the city traffic behind and venture into the Judean Desert on this Jeep tour. Read More

ISRAEL PACKAGE TOUR: JERUSALEM & TEL AVIV 8-DAY ADVENTURE

Abraham Tours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | English | 8 Days | 2,380 NIS

Stay in two of the most welcoming hostels in the country, the Abraham Jerusalem and Abraham Tel Aviv. Meet fellow travelers from around the world and explore the unique cultures and attractions of these two cities. With 3-4 nights in each city, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything. Read More

Secret Tel Aviv takes no responsibility for your tour bookings. For accurate dates and tour information refer to Abaraham Hostel website. For customer support speak with Abraham Tours.

This is part of our series of Best Tours in Israel Guides. Also check out our Guide to the Best Tours in Jerusalem , Best Tours in Tel Aviv , Best Tours in Petra ,  Best Tours in the West Bank and Best Christian Tours . 

Discover the Dead Sea and its surroundings! Check out our guides for the Best Dead Sea Hotels , Best Jerusalem Tours and Best Jerusalem Hotels !

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Dead Sea Tours & Trips from Tel Aviv

An adventure starting in Tel Aviv is a great way to see Dead Sea. We have 7 tours that range from 7 days up to 24 days. The most popular time for tours from Tel Aviv is January, which has the most tour departures.

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Home » Articles & Tips » The Ultimate Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

The Ultimate Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

In southern Israel, on the western edge of the Judean desert lies the Dead Sea – a hyper-saline lake which is also the lowest point on Earth. This is, without a doubt, one of the must-visit places during your trip to Israel. While Tel Aviv offers a vibrant nightlife, endless restaurants, and a stunning coastline, the true natural beauty of Israel is found not in the cities, but in its deserts, hills, and nature reserves.

The Dead Sea is perhaps the most remarkable body of water in the world. The high salt concentration makes your body more buoyant and allows you to float effortlessly across the water, and the Dead Sea floor contains mineral-rich mud which provides tremendous benefits for your skin.

Traveling from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea

Getting to the dead sea from Tel Aviv via public transport is very straightforward. The no.421 bus from the Tel Aviv bus terminal (more commonly known as Arlozorov Terminal) departs twice daily at 9 AM and 12 PM. Reservations can be made using the Egged website , up to 14 days in advance.

In addition, there is also the option of a private shuttle bus, guided dead sea tours, and taxis. For more information and reviews, please see TripAdvisor.

However, if you have the means, traveling from Tel Aviv to the dead sea by car can be an unforgettable experience. This is our recommended method of travel to the dead sea as it offers the most independent journey.

Attractions between Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea

Along the way, you will encounter plenty of natural landmarks, archaeological digs, nature reserves, and historically preserved sites. By car, the journey takes approximately two and a half hours, so we advise that you leave Tel Aviv early in the morning so that you have plenty of time for stop-offs along the way, and still arrive at the dead sea long before sunset.

Here are a few places that you should visit while traveling from Tel Aviv to the dead sea. Please, keep in mind that some attractions can be closed or have limited access on Friday and Saturday, so make sure to check opening hours beforehand.

( Note: This list is based on traveling via Route 90 – through the West Bank, and arriving at Ein Bokek)

Jericho Valley

The first portion of the journey is between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Afterward, as you continue South, beyond Jerusalem and past Maale Adumim, you will enter the breathtaking Jericho Valley.

Here, the road winds between golden desert hills, and it’s one of the most scenic views in the entire country. There are several small settlements along the road, each offering places to eat, relax, and enjoy the warm desert climate. These include Mitzpeh Jericho, Kalya, and Almog .

Qumran National Park

As you continue South along route 90 towards Ein Bokek (the main tourist beach of the dead sea) you will reach Qumran National Park – home of the Dead Sea Scrolls . This is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in the world, and visitors are given a remarkable insight into the Hellenistic and Herodian eras of ancient Israel.

35 KM south of Qumran is the Ein Gedi reserve –  a desert oasis and one of Israel’s premier hiking spots. The reserve is a natural sanctuary for many animals, and several rare species of hyrax and ibex can be found here.

In addition, the neighboring Kibbutz is home to an internationally acclaimed botanical garden, spread across almost 24 acres and containing over 900 species of plants.

Masada National Park:

Finally, the last stop we recommend before arriving at Ein Bokek is the Masada National Park . Atop a large desert plateau lies the ruins of the ancient Masada fortress, where, according to Josephus, the final battle between the Judean rebels and the Roman Empire occurred. The plateau is also a natural observation point where one can witness the entirety of the Judean desert and the dead sea bank

A few extra tips:

Aside from leaving early and making the most out of your day, here are a few things to consider before you travel from Tel Aviv to the dead sea:

• Bring water: The climate is hot and humid, and dehydration is a genuine concern. Make sure to pack plenty of water for the journey.
• Bring flip flops: The beach sand gets scorching hot, especially during summer. Be sure to bring flip-flops so you don’t burn your feet!
• Don’t go underwater: The dead sea is not the place to practice your diving skills. If the water gets into your eyes they will sting ferociously.
• Don’t swim with your jewelry. The salt levels will corrode your expensive watches, bracelets, and necklaces – take them off before entering

Thinking of Visiting Jerusalem first? Here is some important information on how to get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem !

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Don't know where to start, best places to visit in tel aviv, tours and things to do in tel aviv, best day trips from tel aviv.

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A day trip to masada & dead sea from tel aviv.

A day trip to Masada & Dead Sea from Tel-Aviv or any other city in Israel is a must for everyone visiting the country.

The day trip to Masada & Dead Sea is one of the most popular day trips across Israel. Of course, there is a reason for that – it’s fascinating! You can either do the day trip on your own (if you have a car), or join a tour as I did.

The day trip to Masada & Dead Sea consists of three parts: hiking the snake path to the top of Masada to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the views, walking and hiking in the En Gedi National Park, and finally, swimming in the Dead Sea .

Except for the day trip to Masada & Dead Sea , I did another one to the West Bank. Visiting the West Bank was a completely different experience.

From Tel-Aviv , those are perhaps the two best day trips that you can take. If you’re not planning to go and stay in Jerusalem for longer, then a day trip to the city is also a must. I spend 6 days in Jerusalem, but even 2 would have been enough.

Because this is a sunrise tour, it starts very early. At 2 AM from Tel-Aviv, to be exact. The pick-up in Jerusalem is an hour later.

After not going to bed at all, at 1 AM I got out to walk the whole city to get to the pick-up location. I could have got a sherut but I decided to check out what’s going on around the city. People were partying and having fun, while I was walking half-awake, half-asleep to the other side of the city.

The day trip to Masada & Dead Sea from Tel-Aviv started around 4:30 AM, when we got down from the bus and went on the line for tickets. At 5:01 AM, I started the hike to the top of Masada.

Table of Contents

Day trip to Masada & Dead Sea from Tel-Aviv: Masada

Masada is a fortress located in the Judean desert close to the Dead Sea. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage site for its history. The stories are telling that Jewish patriots inhabited this fortress and when it was finally penetrated by a conquering Roman army, 960 Jews committed mass suicide to elude capture although only 28 bodies have been found.

For some reason, I was imagining the way to the top of Masada like a walk in the park, when in the reality is a proper hike – easy but proper. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to hike from the entrance to the top of the fortress via the Snake path. When you’re visiting Masada for the sunrise, you don’t have the other option to take the cable car. You do have enough time to hike to the top, however.

When you start the hike to Masada, it will still be dark until the half the way to the top of the fortress. You don’t need a head lamp as you can still see where you’re walking – of course you can always take a head lamp with you, if you prefer to do so.

After I made it to the top of Masada, I had enough time to relax, meet some people and wait for the sunrise.

Unfortunately, on the day that I did the tour, the sky was not perfectly clear. The sunrise was still beautiful, just not that clear. Plus, you don’t get to see the sunrise over the Dead Sea from above every day. The Masada Sunrise was without any doubts a good start of the day!

Except for watching the sunrise over the Dead Sea and the desert, you have enough spare time on the top of the fortress to explore the place and learn something more about its history. I did not do that and used pretty much the whole time to enjoy the views.

Masada opening hours & cable car option:

April-September 8 AM – 5 PM

October-March 8 AM – 4 PM

The park opens for ascent on foot one hour before sunrise. It is NOT possible to take the cable car for the sunrise.

After Masada, our next stop was the Nature Reserve of EN Gedi.

Day trip to Masada & Dead Sea from Tel-Aviv: En Gedi 

En Gedi is an oasis between the Dead Sea and the desert.  No trip to Masada & the Dead Sea is complete without a visit to the nature reserve as well, simply because of its location. En Gedi is only 15 minutes away from Masada.

The reserve is home to many animals, such as the Ibex, that I had the chance of seeing less than a meter away from me. One of the Ibexes even jumped off of the cliff when we were passing by.

The flora in the En Gedi reserve is rich as well. The combination of the location, temperatures, topographic composition and the water that runs through the reserve makes it possible for the varieties of flora and fauna to be able to survive in the reserve.

En Gedi is big and sadly, you don’t have enough of spare time on the tour to explore everything in the reserve. You do have enough time to walk around, get a glimpse of it, meet some animals and relax by or in one of the falls. Yes, you can even swim there too.

Day trip to Masada & Dead Sea from Tel-Aviv: The Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is both weird somehow and cool.

The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Israel , Jordan and Palestine . The lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, it’s about 430 meters below the sea level. It’s one of the Earth’s saltiest bodies of water, which is the reason why plants and animals cannot flourish.

People are visiting the Dead Sea mainly because of the weird fact that you can just float on the surface, as well of the health benefits for the body. Rub the mud from the Sea on your skin and after you wash it off, you’ll notice that your skin has never been softer. The salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea are being used in many cosmetics.

Have you seen pictures of the Dead Sea? The ones where you can see a lot of small salt ”islands”? I have seen them too, but I don’t know the location of where are they taken . /If you know, please share, I would love to visit it next time 🙂 /. 

The Dead Sea, as well the beach, are not anything amazing – but you went there for the experience anyway so it doesn’t really matter.

The experience of floating in the Dead Sea is weird at first, but then you easily get used to it. 

You should be aware of few things before visiting the Dead Sea. I believe every beach has a sign stating the rules but people often don’t read those things, so here you go:

• Do NOT jump into the water
• Do NOT dive into the water
• Do NOT splash water on yourself or the others
• Do NOT drink the seawater
• Do NOT immerse your head
• Do NOT let the salt water going into your eyes or mouth  

I tried the salt from the bottom of the sea and rubbed my whole body in mud. The salt was toooooo salty, but my skin after rubbing it with mud was so soft! I rarely use any cosmetics, but the natural Dead Sea mud was the best one so far.

I went on the Masada Sunrise, En Gedi & Dead Sea Tour with Tourist Israel . This is a self guided tour, which means that they make sure that you get from one place to another but you don’t have a guide explaining you stuff.

The tour includes the transportation to all sites and the entrance to the beach at the Dead Sea.

The tour excludes the entry fees for Masada (28 NIS) and En Gedi (28 NIS).

What to bring with you on the tour:

• Plenty of water
• Swimsuit & towel
• Walking shoes

I want to thank Tourist Israel for having me as a guest on their Masada & Dead Sea tour. As always, opinions are my own!

Thanks for reading, 

If you like this post, please share it with your friends and follow Owl Over The World on Facebook  &  Instagram for more travel tips & inspiration. 

PLAN YOUR  NEXT TRIP:

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you make a booking after clicking.  It comes at no extra cost to you but it helps me with the running of this site!  As always, opinions are my own. Thank you!

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Bilyana is the founder of Owl Over The World and the girl behind the screen. Besides being a travel blogger, she's also a mountain freak and a full-time dream chaser. She writes about her adventures around the world wanting to inspire you to travel more & worry less.

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Iran launches dozens of drones at Israel, one injured in attack: Live updates

WASHINGTON — For the first time ever, Iran launched an attack Saturday against Israel directly from its territory.

Iran sent a wave of drones toward Israel, a U.S. official told USA TODAY Saturday, as the country ramped up preparations for an Iranian strike amid soaring Mideast tensions. The official was not authorized to speak publicly.

The Iranians had been observed preparing drones to attack Israel, according to a second U.S. official briefed on the intelligence but not authorized to speak publicly. 

The attacks were retaliation for a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria last of Apr. 1. that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders. The move by Iran marks the most recent escalation in an inflamed Middle East that has been building for half a year − ever since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in Israel detonated a retaliatory war against the militant group in the Gaza Strip.

"Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address. "The State of Israel is strong."

Israel's military said fighter jets and navy vessels are "on a defense mission in Israeli airspace."

The attack is "likely to unfold over a number of hours," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. President Joe Biden is set to meet with his national security team at the White House on Saturday afternoon and is being updated on the situation, Watson said.

"President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran," Watson said in a statement.

After the founding of the state of Israel in 1948, the small Mideast country maintained relations with Iran − an outlier from other Muslim majority countries in the region. After Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, the two nations turned into fierce rivals.

Developments:

∎ Israel's national emergency service reported a 10-year-old boy in the Arad region had been injured. No casualties have been reported as a result of the attack.

∎ Biden returned to the White House to meet with national security advisers about events in the Mideast on Saturday afternoon, cutting short a weekend trip to Delaware, the White House said in a statement.

∎ Iraq and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace as Iran launched drones toward Israel Saturday. Jordan has helped Israel respond to the attack by shooting down dozens of Iranian drones, Reuters reported.

∎ Canada on Saturday became the latest nation to warn its citizens against any travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories amid growing threats of attacks on Israel. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert to U.S. embassy personnel on Thursday to stay within the greater Tel Aviv area. France also warned its citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travel in the coming days to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories. 

U.N. secretary-general ‘deeply alarmed’ by region-wide escalation

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he strongly condemned Iran’s “large-scale attack” on Israel. In a statement, he called for an immediate stop to the fighting.

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation,” he said. “I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”

Trump praises Israel, attacks Biden's leadership during Pennsylvania rally

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Israel and blamed President Joe Biden for Iran's attack during a campaign rally Saturday night in Pennsylvania.

"God Bless the people of Israel," Trump said at the start of a rally at a fairground in Schnecksville ,  Pa., near Allentown. 

Trump, who attacked Biden in a series of Truth Social posts earlier in the day, did not cite the president by name when discussing Israel, but did blame what he called weak U.S. leadership for the attack by Iran.

Echoing a Truth Social post earlier in the day, Trump said the attack "would not have happened" if "we were in office."

− David Jackson

Biden says commitment to Israel’s security 'ironclad'

President Joe Biden said that he met with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel.

“Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” he said on  social media .

Sirens, booms across Israel as 10-year-old critically injured

Sirens sounded off across Israel amid Iranian drone attacks, according to Israel Defense Forces.

The IDF issued a flurry of alerts on Telegram for sirens sounding from southern Israel to northern Israel. This also included Jerusalem, the Negev and Dead Sea regions, among others.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, said there were no casualties reported, but a 10-year-old boy in the Bedouin area in the Arad region is in critical condition. On social media , MDA said first responders were treating the boy.

It was unclear whether he was injured by missile fragments or an interceptor, Times of Israel reported.

Earlier, MDA said sirens sounded across the country but there were no reports of casualties aside from calls of “stress symptoms” and people injured running for cover.

Trump attacks Biden over Iran attack; claims it wouldn't have happened under him

Former President Donald Trump reacted to the attack by referring to himself.

"ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen - This would NEVER have happened if I were President!" the presumptive Republican presidential candidate said in one of a string of Truth Social posts.

In other posts, Trump taunted Biden for not giving a live speech on the attack, and said the U.S. would always stand behind Israel.

Trump may address the situation during a campaign rally near Allentown, Pa.

Jordan shoots down dozens of Iranian drones to help Israel

Jordan shot down dozens of Iranian drones above northern and central Jordan en route to Israel, Reuters reported citing two security sources.

The news outlet reported Iran said it had been watching if Jordan made any moves seen as supporting Israel, warning that Jordan could be the next target, Reuters reported.

Iranian drone attack makes Israel attack on embassy ‘concluded,’ Iran U.N. mission says

Iran’s mission to the UN. said its drone attack against Israel marks the end of its response to Israel suspected bombing Iran's embassy in Syria in early April.

“The matter can be deemed concluded,” Iran’s mission said in a social media post Saturday evening. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

Lawmakers respond to Iran attack on Israel

Reactions from lawmakers were largely divided among partisan lines, with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, stating the "Biden Administration's undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments," and GOP Rep. Mike Crenshaw, R-Texas, arguing that "Biden signaled waning support for Israel. Now a potential war is erupting."

Other GOP lawmakers such as Sen. Roger Wicker, the top-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and Rep. Mike McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called on the U.S. to stand with Israel.

“Our shared enemies, including Iran and their proxies, need to know our commitment is unwavering. We must join with Israel to ensure that Iran’s aggression is met with resolute action and resounding strength," Wicker, R-Miss., said.

Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada also said, "The United States stands firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its terrorist proxies." 

The senator said she would keep working to get legislation passed that provides additional military aid to Israel.

"What is happening now in the Middle East is why the house should have voted for the Senate passed security bill that supports Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan in their fight for sovereignty and democratic principles," Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said in a X post, calling the U.S. the "backbone of the free world."

Drones key to Iran and its militias against U.S., Israel, researchers say

Drones have been key to Iran and militant groups it supports to attack U.S. forces and allies, according to the Iran Primer, a consortium of scholars who study the country.

Iran first developed rudimentary drones during its war with Iraq in the 1980s, Iran Primer's article said Friday. Today, Iranian drones are used for combat as suicide drones that explode on impact, or by traveling long distances to launch munitions at targets. They are also used for surveillance to identify targets using photo and video.

Iran began sending drones to Hezbollah, the militant group it backs in Lebanon, in the 2000s. In 2006, Hezbollah used drones against Israel in its 34-day war. They’ve reportedly since been used against ISIS militants, as well as in attacks in Saudi oilfields and in Iraq against U.S. military and diplomatic targets. Since 2022, Iran has supplied Russia with drones starting to use against civilian and military targets in Ukraine. Iran’s use of drones has increased in Syria, Iraq and Jordan after the war began between Hamas and Israel. In January, an Iranian-made drone killed three American soldiers in Jordan , while Houthi militants, backed by Iran, used Iranian-designed drones to attack ships in the Red Sea .

While some Iranian drones are small, carrying as little as 7 pounds of explosives, others can have payloads of up to 1,240 pounds. Many are modeled on captured American drones, Iran Primer said.

Plans in place ahead of drones, defense not ‘hermetic,’ IDF says

Israel plans to cut GPS services in certain areas as part of its plan to counter Iran launching drones at the country, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a briefing Saturday evening.

“The IDF and the Israeli Air Force are implementing the plan we prepared in advance,” Hagari said in remarks. “As part of the preparations, GPS services will not be available in certain areas - the disruption is deliberate and according to plan. If we detect additional threats with a shorter arrival time, we will update you immediately.”

Hagari reminded Israelis of Home Front Command , which helps prepare civilians for conflicts or disasters. With sirens activated, IDF said people must enter shelters and remain there for no less than 10 minutes, though he said it could be longer. He encouraged Israelis to act responsibly and calmly. The IDF remains cooperating with the U.S. and partners in the region to counter launches and intercept them, he added. Protection includes the Israeli Air Force and Navy personnel, as well as the Aerial Defense Array, which includes the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System.

The defense is not “hermetic,” he said, adding it’s crucial to follow the country's Home Front Command.

U.S. promises to support Israel in face of Iran attack

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke Saturday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and “made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies,” according to a readout of their call provided by Pentagon press secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. 

National security adviser Jake Sullivan also affirmed the U.S.' "ironclad commitment to the security of Israel" in a call with his counterpart in Israel, Tzachi Hanegbi, Sullivan said Saturday.

Netanyahu said in an address he appreciates the U.S. and other allies' support.

How long until the Iranian drones reach Israel?

The dozens of drones that were launched could take hours to arrive, according to Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV news. Retired general Amos Yadlin told the channel the drones were equipped with 20 kg of explosives. Israel's military said sirens will sound in any threatened areas. Iran has threatened to retaliate for an April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed seven of its military commanders. Iran blames Israel for the attack, but Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement.

Iran readies missiles for potential attack, US official says

Iran has been observed preparing cruise missiles for use in a potential attack on Israel, according to a U.S. official briefed on the matter.

Meanwhile, national security officials remained focused Saturday on Iran’s next steps, a second official said. Both officials were not authorized to speak publicly.

Biden confirmed Friday that U.S. intelligence showed that an Iranian attack on Israel could happen soon. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike. Iran blames Israel for the airstrike; Israel has not publicly acknowledged its role in the attack.

Iran’s anticipated retaliation comes as tensions have spiked in the Middle East as Israel’s war against Hamas continues. The Pentagon has bolstered defenses for the tens of thousands of U.S. troops in the region in advance of the prospect of an imminent attack on Israel and Western interests.

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Iranian forces seize ship with ties to Israel in Strait of Hormuz

Members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

Iranian state media reported that the MSC Aries ship, which carries a Portuguese flag, was taken into Iranian waters. The ship's operator, MSC, confirmed the seizure by Iran and said it was working with authorities to ensure its return and the safety of the crew.

The crew includes Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian, according to White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. Watson said the seizing of a "civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law" and an act of piracy.

"We strongly condemn the Iranian seizure of the Portuguese flagged, British-owned MSC AIRES in international waters," Watson said on X .

Ship incident comes amid Houthi attacks in Red Sea

The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen has been attacking ships in the Red Sea for months, saying it aims for Israel-linked ships.

The ship seized on Saturday is owned by Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime. Zodiac is partly owned by an Israeli businessman. Zodiac said in a statement that MSC leases the Aries and is responsible for its activities.

"Iran will bear consequences for choosing to escalate this situation any further," said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for Israel's military.

Hasan Alhasan, an analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Reuters that if the seizure of the ship is in retaliation for the April 1 attack, it may indicate Iran's desire to save face without causing a wider escalation of the regional conflict. "Iran may be trying to play on fears that it could obstruct shipping through the strait, a passageway of greater significance to global oil and gas supplies than the Red Sea," Alhasan said.

Body found of missing Israeli teen

Israeli officials said the body of a 14-year-old boy who went missing near the Malachei Shalom outpost on Friday morning was found Saturday in the West Bank.

Binyamin Achimair's death was a "terrorist attack," the Israeli military said, while Netanyahu vowed the perpetrators would be found.

Israeli forces were searching "from the air and on the ground" Friday, while groups of Israeli settlers stormed a nearby Palestinian village and set fire to houses and cars overnight. One person was killed and several injured in the conflict, Palestinian officials said.

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law by most of the world, which Israel contests. The settlements house Israeli citizens in the occupied land.

Contributing: Reuters