Israel’s military said Tuesday that several missiles were launched by Iran at Israel. “A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel,” the military said in a statement. News agency Reuters reported that over 100 missiles have been fired by Iran, targeting key commercial and residential areas.
Reacting to the incident, US President Joe Biden has ordered the American military to aid Israel and help the Jewish nation shoot down Iranian projectiles.
Israeli residents, especially in the country’s central region, rushed to bomb shelters as the unprecedented attack unfolded.
American troops in the Middle East were not targeted during the Iranian missile attack in Israel, the Washington Post reported.
Tehran later said its missile attack against Israel had concluded and warned the Israeli government against carrying out its own retaliation.
“Iran’s legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime- which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran – has been duly carried out,” the Iranian mission to the UN said in a social media post.
Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid an Iranian missile attack.
Some media reports in Israel suggest that over 100 missiles have been launched in the attack. pic.twitter.com/BJ8R3H6XSw
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 1, 2024
×
Several explosions could be heard over the city, in what appeared to be air defence interceptors doing their job.
Sirens were sounded and frequent booms heard as the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome.
Israelis were alerted beforehand as they received messages on their phones from the home front command, saying: “Emergency alert. You must enter a protected area immediately and remain there until further notice.”
Israel’s Ben Gurion airport shut down operations Tuesday evening amidst the Iranian attack.
Iraq has shut down its airspace amid the Iranian attack.
In an address soon after the attack, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Israel will respond to the Iranian missile attack on the country.
“We are on heightened alert on defence and offensive, we will protect the citizens of Israel. This [missile] fire will have consequences. We have plans, and we will act in the time and place that we choose,” he said.
The IDF Home Front Command issued a message letting civilians know that they can leave bomb shelters.
Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address, “Citizens of Israel, we are in the midst of a campaign against Iran’s axis of evil. Yesterday, I said that these were days of great achievements and great challenges.”
“I ask of you two things: First, strictly follow the directives of Home Front Command; it saves lives. Second, stand together. Together, we will stand steadfast in the trying days ahead of us. Together we will stand. Together we will fight, and together we will win.”
