Explosions were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as missiles flew over and were intercepted by defence systems. The attack marks a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran’s missile attack on Israel a “major mistake” in a statement that read: It will pay off.
According to Israel’s army radio, nearly 200 missiles were fired on Tuesday evening in a move anticipated by officials.
Most recent Israel-Lebanon: Follow live updates The attack is a significant escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and is a retaliation for Israel’s campaign against the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
The actions of Iran have already been condemned by world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, and the United States has stated that it assisted ally Israel in its defense.
On Tuesday afternoon, a US official said that an Iranian attack on Israel with ballistic missiles was “imminent.” Within a few hours, around 5.30 p.m. U.K. time, sirens sounded all over the country as rockets began to fly overhead.
Explosions that shaken windows were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem. At first, it wasn’t clear if the sounds were caused by missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defenses, or both.
Picture Israelis were previously instructed to seek safety, with orders to shelter being broadcast on national television and sent to mobile phones. As the rockets were fired, according to the Israeli military, all civilians were in bomb shelters.
Witnesses revealed to Reuters that they saw dozens of missiles flying over central Jordan, and the Jordanian army urged its own citizens to remain inside their homes for their own safety.
Kuwait Airways stated that it was altering some of its flight routes as a result of the “current situation,” and Jordan’s state news agency promptly announced a temporary closure of its airspace that lasted until approximately 7.55 p.m. UK time.
The Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv was closed for about an hour for takeoffs and landings.
a live broadcast, Sky’s security and defense editor Deborah Haynes took cover while reporting close to the Israel-Lebanon border as missiles flew overhead.
Iran’s state television has since guaranteed 90% of the rockets hit their objectives while an Israeli representative has expressed authorities there are so far not mindful of any wounds from the assault.
Israeli media reported that two suspects opened fire in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood in the south of the city, killing six people elsewhere in Tel Aviv.
The shooting was described by Israeli police as a possible terrorist attack.
Iran making threats of escalation Israel’s prime minister is leading officials who have made statements and has promised that the attack will have consequences.
Netanyahu stated: Iran will pay for a serious mistake it made tonight.
He went on to say, “This attack also has a deliberate and murderous hand behind it, and it comes from Tehran.” We will adhere to our established policy: We will attack him, whoever attacks us.”
His remarks followed Daniel Hagari’s declaration that the attack was “extensive” and that: There will be consequences. We’ve got plans.”
Iran has already stated that it will retaliate.
“Should Israel dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” the UN Mission stated in a social media post.
Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards of Iran also issued a warning that any retaliation would result in a “more crushing and ruinous” response from Tehran.
Mr. Netanyahu “should understand that Iran is not warlike, but it will stand firmly against any threat,” according to Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian in a post on X.
He went on to say, “This is only a glimpse of our capabilities.” Do not get into a fight with Iran.”
According to a senior Iranian official, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is secure.
US and UK respond to Iranian attack The United States, which earlier on Monday issued a warning about Iran’s imminent attack, stated that it assisted its ally Israel in self-defense.
According to the Pentagon, around a dozen interceptor missiles were launched by US Navy destroyers at Iranian missiles.
According to the White House press secretary, the president and vice president have held two meetings in the White House situation room with their national security team and are receiving regular updates.
Although it was too early to rule out casualties, US officials also stated that they had not yet received any reports of injuries as a result of the missile strikes.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Starmer has “in the strongest possible terms” condemned Iran’s actions after speaking with Mr. Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
After that, the prime minister issued a statement from Downing Street, reiterating his calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon and stating that the United Kingdom “stands with Israel” and that Iran’s aggression cannot be tolerated.
A spokesperson for Downing Street added, “The prime minister said he will work alongside partners and do everything possible to push for de-escalation and push for a diplomatic solution.”
After launching “limited, localised, and targeted raids” against the armed group in Lebanon, Israel’s military stated that its paratroopers and commandos were engaged in combat with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Iran’s attack followed.
In April, Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel, but the majority of the projectiles missed their targets.
