Iran attacks Israel Highlights: Israel vows retaliation after Iran launches over 200 ballistic missiles into its territory

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that around 180 missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel, according to the BBC.

A security official stated that the majority of the missiles were intercepted by the Israeli air force. The military is currently assessing the damage where missiles did make impact.

An IDF official also indicated that Israel intends to continue its strikes across the Middle East.

(REUTERS)

Reports indicate that the Israeli military has informed residents across the country that they are now “permitted to leave protected spaces.”

The ballistic missiles began flying into Israeli airspace, passing over parts of Jordan, just over an hour ago, following several tense hours of warnings that an attack was imminent.

In a televised address, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that there have been no reports of injuries on the ground as Iran fired what is believed to be around 200 rockets.

He added that there appears to be no immediate threat of incoming weapons from Iran “for now,” but reassured that Israel remains prepared.

Israel has also reopened its airspace in the past few moments.

The barrage of missiles over Israel moments ago followed warnings earlier today from an unnamed senior US administration official, who stated that Iran was preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel.

It was not long before the threatened attack materialised, and we are awaiting news on its impact on the ground in Israel. Residents across the country were ordered to take shelter, with many rushing to air raid shelters as rockets were seen and heard whizzing over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The Associated Press reported that the US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, stated that the US is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations.

Israel employs an air defence system known as the Iron Dome, designed to intercept incoming missiles before they can reach their targets.

Explosions can be heard over Tel Aviv, accompanied by the wailing of warning sirens throughout the city, Israel’s largest urban and economic centre.

Witnesses in Jerusalem have also reported hearing explosions, according to Reuters.

Israeli media reports that Iran has launched over 100 missiles at Israel. It remains unclear whether the missiles are hitting their targets or being intercepted in the air above the cities. This situation is rapidly unfolding.

The Israeli military has now confirmed that sirens are sounding across the country.

Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated today that any missile strike from Iran is likely to be on a large scale. He urged citizens to take refuge in safe rooms should such an event occur.

In a televised address, Hagari also confirmed that the barrage of rockets aimed at the Tel Aviv region, which triggered air raid sirens, was launched by Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group operating out of Lebanon, according to a report by Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on Israelis to follow the safety instructions issued by the home front command, amid warnings from a White House official that an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel could be imminent.

In a video address to the nation, Netanyahu stated that Israel is "in the midst of a campaign against Iran's axis of evil." He expressed determination to enable residents in the north to return to their homes but acknowledged that "great challenges" lie ahead.

Netanyahu emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to the directives of the military's home front command and urged citizens to "stand together." "Together we will fight and together we will win," he declared.

Israeli military announces the call-up of four more reserve brigades for operations in the northern border with Lebanon.

“This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of residents of northern Israel to their homes,” the military said in a statement.

President Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Tuesday that Turkey would fully support Lebanon following Israeli raids and a "limited" ground incursion into the country.

"We will not abandon our Lebanese brothers during these challenging times and will provide them with all the support we can," Erdogan declared during a speech at the reopening of the Turkish parliament after its summer recess.