Iran launches 200 missiles into Israel as Netanyahu vows to retaliate

Explosions have been seen across the night sky in Israel

Reuters
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 01/10/2024

- 17:45

Updated: 01/10/2024

- 22:50

The US warned earlier that a missile strike from Iran could be imminent

Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles towards Israel as civilians are told to hide in bomb shelters, Israeli media reports.

The IDF has urged Israelis to "remain alert and precisely follow the home front command's instructions."


The Israeli military added: "Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice".

Warning sirens sounded across Jerusalem shortly after 5.30pm UK time as explosions were heard.

Airstrikes in Israel

Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, the Israeli military has said in a statement

Reuters

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the order to launch missiles at Israel, a senior Iranian official said.

The official added that Tehran "is fully ready for any retaliation".

The IDF has said it is "identifying and intercepting launches" and the "attack was serious and will have consequences".

Loud explosion have also been heard in the Jordan Valley, which sits on the border between Jordan and the West Bank.

Airstrikes from Iran

Warning sirens sounded across Jerusalem shortly after 5.30pm UK time as explosions were heard

Reuters

In Jaffa, southern Israel, police have also attended a shooting - with a number of casualties.

It is understood that at least eight people are dead and multiple people are injured.

The US warned earlier today that Iran was preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

The White House said President Joe Biden has ordered US military forces in the region to help Israel's defence against the Iranian attack and shoot down the missiles.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel

Reuters

People in bomb shelters in Israel

Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles towards Israel as civilians are told to hide in in bomb shelters, Israeli media reports

Reuters

It comes after Israel's armed forces confirmed that they have launched a "ground operation" in the south of Lebanon in the early hours of this morning.

The US Embassy in Israel has issued a high-level alert to its employees, directing them to return home and be prepared to enter bomb shelters.

It is the first such order since the Iranian aerial attack on Israel in April.

There was speculation that Iran would respond with force against Israel following intensified strikes against Iranian ally, Hezbollah.

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