A retired Israeli general, Amos Yadlin, told the country's Channel 12 News that the Iranian drones were equipped with 20 kg (44 pounds) of explosives each. Israel's military said sirens would sound in any threatened areas and that its defenses were poised to deal with them.
Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.
MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all the vessel's activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
The incoming Israeli consul general in New York speaks with Israel Hayom in an exclusive interview.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed doubt about Israel's ability to fully defend against an assault of this magnitude. However, they acknowledged Iran may opt for a smaller strike to avoid further escalation. The anticipated retaliation follows an alleged Israeli airstrike on April 1 that killed seven Iranian commanders in Syria.
