By The Independent (World News) | Created at 2024-10-01 17:15:22 | Updated at 2024-10-01 19:25:14
2 hours ago
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Iran has launched a series of missiles at Israel as air raid sirens have sounded across the country and Israelis pile into bomb shelters.
Iran’s revolutionary guards said they launched tens of missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.
Israeli media reported that Iran launched more than 100 missiles at Israel and the Israeli military said around 10 million civilians are the targets of the Iranian projectiles as explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly convened the Israeli security cabinet at the government bunker near Jerusalem.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.
Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country’s air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. “However, the defense is not hermetic,” he said.
It comes after senior US officials warned Iran was preparing to “imminently” fire ballistic missiles at Israel.
The officials said the US is “actively assisting in military preparations to defend Israel against this Iranian attack”.
Iran vowed last week that what it calls Israel’s “criminal acts”, referring to widespread bombing of Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, will not go unanswered.
In April, Iran fired around 300 missiles and rockets at Israel, though the significant majority were intercepted.
It comes as witnesses reported more airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah forces are believed to be stationed.
The Lebanese state-run National News Agency confirmed reports of multiple strikes in Beirut. Independent reporters on the ground also backed the reports.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Israel announced it was carrying out “targeted” raids into southern Lebanon.
It is the first time Israel has invaded its northern neighbour since 2006, when the two engaged in a month-long all-out war.
Nearly 200 missiles launched at Israel from Iran - Army Radio
Nearly 200 missiles have been fired from Iran at Israel, Army Radio reports.
Sirens have been going off across the country as interceptor missiles were launched to bring them down.
The radio station said that take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have stopped, while explosions have been heard in Jerusalem.
Holly Evans1 October 2024 18:14
‘10 million civilians targeted’, claim Israeli military
In a post on social media, the IDF have shared a graphic showing where missiles have been launched towards Israel, and said: “Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.”
Holly Evans1 October 2024 18:13
Iran says it has launched ‘tens of missiles’
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said that it has launched “tens of missiles” towards Israel, Reuters reports.
They have said this is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan.
It has also threatened that Israel will be “targeted” again if Israel retaliates.
Holly Evans1 October 2024 18:10
Videos of missiles flying over Tehran shared by Iranian news agency
Videos of missiles flying above the Iranian capital were shared by the Iranian Student News Agency on Tuesday, after the Israeli military announced missiles were fired from Iran.
The projectiles have also been intercepted by Jordanian airspace while loud explosions are being heard in Jerusalem, witnesses have reported.
Holly Evans1 October 2024 18:01
IDF has urged civilians to ‘remain alert’ and enter a protected space
The Israeli military has just released a statement as missiles continue to be fired from Iran: “A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel.
“You are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command’s instructions
“In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed life-saving instructions in various areas across the country. The public is asked to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines. Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.
“The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.”
Holly Evans1 October 2024 17:57
Over 100 missiles launched towards Israel, reports say
Israeli media is reporting that Iran has launched more than 100 missiles at Israel.
Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country’s air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. “However, the defense is not hermetic,” he said.
Holly Evans1 October 2024 17:55
Biden says US prepared to help Israel defend itself
US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself from Iranian missile attacks and to protect American military in the region.
“We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,” Biden said on X about a meeting held with Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House national security team earlier in the day.z
Holly Evans1 October 2024 17:52
Alarms sound across Israel as missiles launched from Iran
Alarms have sounded across the country and Israelis have rushed for shelter while reporters on state television have been seen laying flat on the ground during live broadcasts.
Earlier, the military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.
Iran has vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.
Holly Evans1 October 2024 17:49
Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran into Israel
The Israeli military has said missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel.
A warning alarm from Isael’s home front command has been heard sounding in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Tara Cobham1 October 2024 17:37
US defense secretary Austin speaks with Israeli counterpart, officials say
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by phone on Tuesday, two US officials told Reuters, amid US warnings of an expected Iranian missile attack on Israel.
The United States has repeatedly said it would help defend Israel against any Iranian attack.
Tara Cobham1 October 2024 17:31
