Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles against Israel, according to a statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel on Tuesday, the military said, as citizens are taking cover in bomb shelters.
The Iranian attack comes a day after the Israeli army launched ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions. Earlier on Tuesday, the White House warned that Iran was poised to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel soon, instantly ratcheting up fears of an all-out war in the region.
According to Israeli media, over 100 missiles have been launched so far. Other reports have tracked 240 missile launches, while Iranian networks are showing videos of missiles flying over Tehran after being launched from Iran.
Strong explosions are being heard in the Jordan Valley, according to eyewitness accounts. The Israeli military said that all residents are in shelters.
Meanwhile, according to reports, more missiles are being fired toward Israel by Lebanon.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched “tens of ballistic missiles” in response to the killing of Nasrallah and Guard commander Abbas Nilforoushan. It warned that any Israeli retaliation would be met with “further crushing and destructive acts.”
In a preliminary estimate, Israel’s military said Iran fired 180 missiles in its attack Tuesday, compared with 120 ballistic missiles in its first-ever direct attack on Israel in April, when it also fired 30 cruise missiles and more than 150 drones. A large number of the missiles were intercepted, but there were impacts in the country’s central and southern regions, spokesman Daniel Hagari said. “We are not aware of any casualties,” he said.
With information from Wall Street Journal
Reports in German media suggest Jordan, an Arab country, bordering Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west, played an active role in aiding Israel’s air defense during the missile strikes from Iran.
🚨MISSILES SEEN LAUNCHED FROM IRAN AT ISRAEL pic.twitter.com/afuhXZadK3
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) October 1, 2024
All Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel. pic.twitter.com/bKXPdqMsBr
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024
Shortly after the missiles were launched, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs uploaded a post on X condemning the attack.
The Greek government strongly condemns Iran’s attacks against Israel. This is a serious escalation and increases the threat to regional security. Greece stands by the people of Israel and their right to live with security. Greece reaffirms its call for immediate de-escalation. pic.twitter.com/YlNmr7l4Gz
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) October 1, 2024