Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, prompting civilians to seek shelter throughout the country. According to the New York Post, reports indicate impact sites in Tel Aviv, near the Dead Sea and in southern Israel and Sharon.
Social media footage captured missiles and debris striking Tel Aviv and other urban areas.
Sirens went off on Tuesday afternoon as the missiles targeted Israel’s central and southern regions.
The Israeli military stated that this is Tehran’s first direct assault on the Jewish nation since April.
Reporters with The Guardian note a second wave of missile strikes flying over Jerusalem less than 10 minutes after the first assault.
Tuesday’s attack was a result of the assassinations of Hezbollah’s top officials, which include its chief, Hassan Nasrallah, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“If the Zionist regime reacts to the operation, it will face heavy attacks,” the IRGC stated.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the explosions being heard around the nation are “interceptions or impacts” and said that there are currently no reports of injuries, according to The Post.
Reports indicate that Iran intended to deploy only ballistic missiles, which can reach Israel in just 12 minutes.
In a statement that was released at 7:30 p.m. local time, the IDF reassured that all Israeli civilians are taking refuge in bomb shelters as missiles strike the area.
Currently, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are at the White House to address Iran’s attack and America’s commitment to defend one of its closest allies.
“This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel. We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,” Biden wrote on X.
In response, the U.S. has deployed additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the region.
“We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack,” an official said. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
Tehran launched over 330 drones and missiles at Israel back in April. With the help of the U.S. and Jordan, almost all of the missiles were intercepted.
A U.S. official informed Axios that if Iran relies solely on ballistic missiles this time, it would give the U.S. and its allies less time to intercept the attack, as these missiles travel at higher altitudes and faster speeds, making them much harder to shoot down.
The IDF warned that the attack might be on “a wider scale.”
U.S. Central Command reported that by Tuesday morning, one aircraft squadron had arrived, with two more expected later in the day.
As Israel receives an aerial attack, gunmen attacked a train station, resulting in at least six deaths, according to the Daily Mail.
