Iran has threatened “more crushing and destructive” attacks after firing a wave of missiles at Israel.
Iran’s revolutionary guards said they fired dozens of missiles on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including its killing of the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah.
They added that if Israel retaliated, Tehran’s response would be “more crushing and destructive”, Iranian state TV reported.
Israeli media has reported that more than 100 missiles were fired as civilians took cover in bomb shelters with sirens sounding across the country. No injuries have been reported so far.
Less than an hour after the attack started, Israel’s military sounded the all-clear and said Israelis were free to leave their shelters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly convened the Israeli security cabinet at the government bunker near Jerusalem, has since spoken to Sir Keir Starmer, Sky News has reported.
The attack comes less than 24 hours after Israel announced it was carrying out “targeted” raids into southern Lebanon. It is the first time Israel has invaded its northern neighbour since 2006, when the two engaged in a month-long all-out war.
Key Points
- Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran into Israel
- Biden says US prepared to help Israel defend itself
- Israel says it has killed commander overseeing Iran-Lebanon arms transfers
- Iranian attack would have repercussions, says Israel
- Hezbollah targets Mossad HQ in Tel Aviv
- Lebanese PM: ‘One of the most dangerous phases’ in history
- Israel says ‘intense’ fighting taking place in Lebanon
Tehran informed Russia ahead of missile attacks on Israel, says official
19:23
Tara Cobham
Tehran had informed Russia ahead of Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.
Israeli military says it killed commander of ‘Imam Hussien Division in Beirut'
19:21
Tara Cobham
The Israeli military has said it has killed the commander of the ‘Imam Hussien Division in Beirut”.
At least six people killed in shooting attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police
19:19
Tara Cobham
At least six people were killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said.
They said that two "terrorists" started a killing spree on the Tel Aviv light rail and continued on foot before being killed by civilians and inspectors using personal pistols.
The attack took place minutes before Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.
TV footage showed gunmen getting off at a light rail station and opening fire.
Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report at 7:01pm (16:01 GMT) of people injured by gunfire.
Medics and paramedics provided on-site medical treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA said.
Israeli military orders closure of new military area in northern Israel, statement says
19:16
Tara Cobham
Israeli military ordered the closure of a new military area in the region of Dovov, Tivbon and Malkia in northern Israel, it said on Tuesday.
Entering this area is strictly prohibited, the Israeli army added in a statement.
UK ‘completely condemns’ Iran’s actions, says No 10 spokesperson
19:16
Political editor David Maddox
A No 10 spokesperson has said that “the UK completely condemns Iran’s actions”.
Starmer speaks with Netanyahu, according to reports
19:08
Tara Cobham
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the King of Jordan, Sky News has reported, as Iran launched missiles at Israel.
Iran’s state TV claims 80 per cent of missiles launched at Israel hit targets
19:06
Tara Cobham
Iran’s state TV has claimed that 80 per cent of the missiles it launched at Israel hit their targets.
Israeli military downs dozens of Iranian missiles flying over Syria, sources say
19:05
Tara Cobham
Israeli air defences shot down dozens of Iranian missiles that flew over Syria on Tuesday, Syrian army sources told Reuters, after Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel.
US bases would be target if US joins any response against Iran, Iraqi armed groups say
19:05
Tara Cobham
US bases in Iraq and the region will be targets if the United States joins any response to Iranian strikes on Israel or if Israel uses Iraqi airspace against Tehran, Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups said on Tuesday.
Watch: Israeli military releases footage claiming to show previous ground operations in Lebanon
19:03
Tara Cobham
The Independent journalist with Kamala Harris when Iran launched attack
19:02
Holly Baxter
The Independent's head of Washington DC bureau Eric Garcia was en route to an event with Kamala Harris and a group of journalists when Iran launched their attack on Israel.
The scheduled event appears to have been delayed, and the van of journalists is currently stationed outside the West Wing. The mood is silent and tense.
Mapped: Israel ordered civilians to take cover in bomb shelters as Iran launches missiles
18:59
Tara Cobham
Civilians across Israel took shelter as air raid sirens sounded across the country, as Iran launched a barrage of missiles in a major escalation.
Explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley as Israelis could be seen piling into bomb shleters with reporters on state television laying flat on the ground during live broadcasts.
In a post on social media, the Israel Defence Forces shared a graphic showing the location of projectile targets, with the caption: “Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.”
My colleague Holly Evans reports:
Former British foreign secretary Cleverly calls for UK to defend Israel
18:59
Tara Cobham
Former British foreign secretary James Cleverly has called for the UK to “stand with Israel” to defend the country from attacks.
In a post on X following Iran’s missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, the shadow home secretary said: “What we are seeing this evening in Israel is an attack on an ally. It is being attacked by a country that wants to wipe it off the map.
“In April, the UK and its allies defended Israel. The UK Government must do the same now. We must stand with Israel.”
What we are seeing this evening in Israel is an attack on an ally.
— James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) October 1, 2024
It is being attacked by a country that wants to wipe it off the map.
In April, the UK and its allies defended Israel.
The UK Government must do the same now.
We must stand with Israel.
Lebanon's airspace closed for two hours, transport minister says
18:56
Tara Cobham
Lebanon’s airspace will be closed to air traffic for a two-hour period on Tuesday, Transport Minister Ali Hamie said on X.
نظرا للتطورات الإقليمية سوف يتم إغلاق المجال الجوي أمام حركة الطيران لمدة ساعتين على ان يتم التقييم لاحقا لإستئناف الرحلات
— Ali Hamie | علي حمية (@alihamie_lb) October 1, 2024
Israel military warns Iran attack will have consequences
18:55
Tara Cobham
Iran’s missile attack on Tuesday was serious and will have consequences, Israel‘s military spokesman said, declining to specify how and when Israel would respond.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said he was not aware of any casualties from the missile volley. He said there were a few hits in the centre of the country and in the south.
Iran warns Israel will be targeted once more if it retaliates
18:53
Tara Cobham
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has warned Israel will be targeted once more if it retaliates after Tehran fired dozens of missiles at the country.
US and Israeli defence secretaries discussed ‘severe consequences’ if Iran attacked Israel
18:50
Tara Cobham
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said he spoke with Israel’s Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant earlier on Tuesday to discuss the “severe consequences” for Iran in the event that Iran choosed to launch a direct military attack against Israel.
Iran has now fired dozens of missiles of Israel.
As many as 200 missiles launched into Israel from Iran, say Israeli officials
18:46
Tara Cobham
As many as 200 missiles were launched into Israel from Iran during a two-wave attack, two Israeli officials have said, according to Axios.
Fireworks seen in Beirut after Iranian attack on Israel, say witnesses
18:44
Tara Cobham
Fireworks have been seen in Beirut after the Iranian attack on Israel, Reuters witnesses have said.
Israeli army radio says flights to and from Ben Gurion airport halted
18:43
Tara Cobham
Israeli army radio said that take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have stopped after Iran launched missiles towards Israel.
Jordan temporarily suspends air traffic, state news agency says
18:41
Tara Cobham
Jordan on Tuesday temporarily suspended air traffic following a salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles fired towards neighbouring Israel, the Jordanian state news agency said.
In pictures: Iran fires missiles at Israel
18:41
Tara Cobham
Starmer calling international leaders ahead of a statement
18:38
Political editor David Maddox
The Independent understands that the prime minister is making a series of calls to international leaders in the Middle East as well as US president Joe Biden and European allies before issuing a statement, reports political editor David Maddox.
Sir Keir Starmer has already spoken to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the King of Jordan.
Other calls are ongoing as the US is understood to be leading efforts to help Israel defend itself against the Iranian missile attack.
UK assets in Cyprus are also understood to be on standby.
Watch: Iran launches barrage of missiles on Israel as explosions heard across Tel Aviv
18:38
Tara Cobham
Iran attack on Israel 'legal, rational, legitimate response,' Iran's UN mission says
18:37
Tara Cobham
Iran's attack on Israel is a "legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts," Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York posted on X on Tuesday.
"Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime," the mission wrote.
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. Should the Zionist regime…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) October 1, 2024
Four killed in shooting in Israel’s Jaffa and two attackers ‘neutralised’, Israeli police say
18:31
Tara Cobham
Four people were killed and seven wounded in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said in a statement.
They said the two shooters had been "neutralised" and the situation was "under control". The families of the victims had been notified.
Khamenei remains in secure location after missiles fired at Israel, says senior Iranian official
18:30
Tara Cobham
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains in a secure location after Tehran fired missiles at Israel, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
He was moved to a secure location after Israel assassinated Iran’s close ally Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week.
Biden directed US military to help Israel shoot down Iranian missiles, White House says
18:29
Tara Cobham
President Joe Biden has directed the US military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council said on Tuesday.
Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the White House situation room and receiving regular updates, NSC spokesperson Sean Savett said in a post on X.
.@POTUS & @VP are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room & receiving regular updates from their national security team. @POTUS directed the US military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel
— Sean Savett (@NSC_Spox) October 1, 2024
Watch live view of Tel Aviv as Iran launches missiles at Israel and sirens sound
18:27
Tara Cobham
Iran’s revolutionary guards say they have launched tens of missiles to Israel on Tuesday (1 October), while Israeli media is reporting that Iran has launched more than 100 missiles at Israel.
Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly convened at the Israeli security cabinet at the government bunker near Jerusalem.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.
Netanyahu reportedly in secure government bunker
18:25
Holly Evans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly convened the Israeli security cabinet at the government bunker near Jerusalem.
The IDF has ordered residents to remain close to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the country.
A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.
Iran ready for retaliation after supreme leader gave order to launch missiles at Israel, says official
18:23
Tara Cobham
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the order to launch missiles at Israel, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that Tehran "is fully ready for any retaliation".
Trump claims Harris and Biden are leading world to brink of WWIII after Iran launches missiles at Israel
18:22
Holly Evans
Donald Trump has weighed in on the missile attack Iran launched at Israel on Tuesday, issuing a rambling, apocalyptic statement in which he declared the world “on fire and spiraling out of control.”
“We have no leadership, no one running the Country,” the former president posted, disingenuously, on his flagging Twitter clone, Truth Social. “We have a non-existent President in Joe Biden, and a completely absent Vice President, Kamala Harris, who is too busy fundraising in San Francisco, a City which she and Gavin Newscum totally destroyed, and staging fake photo ops. No one is in charge and it’s not even clear who is more confused: Biden or Kamala. Neither has any idea what is even going on.”
Read the full article here:
At least three people wounded by Iranian attack, Israeli authorities say
18:20
Tom Watling
Israeli authorities have said that at least three people have been wounded per initial reports on the impact of Iranian strikes.
In pictures: Civilians take shelter as air raid sirens blast across Israel
18:19
Holly Evans
Iran military warns Israel not to respond or face ‘violent attacks’
18:17
Tom Watling
The Iranian military has issued a statement following the launch of what appears to be hundreds of missiles against Israel.
They claimed the attack was in response to the assassination of the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah.
“We began striking important military targets in [Israel] with dozens of missiles,” they said. “If [Israel] responds to the operation, it will face violent attacks.”
Iraq and Jordan close their airspace
18:16
Holly Evans
Jordan on Tuesday temporarily suspended air traffic following a salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles fired towards neighbouring Israel, the Jordanian state news agency said.
The state media in Iraq has also reported that they have closed their airspace as a result of the escalation in the conflict.
Nearly 200 missiles launched at Israel from Iran - Army Radio
18:14
Holly Evans
Nearly 200 missiles have been fired from Iran at Israel, Army Radio reports.
Sirens have been going off across the country as interceptor missiles were launched to bring them down.
The radio station said that take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have stopped, while explosions have been heard in Jerusalem.
‘10 million civilians targeted’, claim Israeli military
18:13
Holly Evans
In a post on social media, the IDF have shared a graphic showing where missiles have been launched towards Israel, and said: “Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.”
Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles. pic.twitter.com/680uDJm3CJ
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024
Iran says it has launched ‘tens of missiles’
18:10
Holly Evans
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said that it has launched “tens of missiles” towards Israel, Reuters reports.
They have said this is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan.
It has also threatened that Israel will be “targeted” again if Israel retaliates.
Videos of missiles flying over Tehran shared by Iranian news agency
18:01
Holly Evans
Videos of missiles flying above the Iranian capital were shared by the Iranian Student News Agency on Tuesday, after the Israeli military announced missiles were fired from Iran.
The projectiles have also been intercepted by Jordanian airspace while loud explosions are being heard in Jerusalem, witnesses have reported.
IDF has urged civilians to ‘remain alert’ and enter a protected space
17:57
Holly Evans
The Israeli military has just released a statement as missiles continue to be fired from Iran: “A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel.
“You are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command’s instructions
“In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed life-saving instructions in various areas across the country. The public is asked to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines. Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.
“The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.”
Over 100 missiles launched towards Israel, reports say
17:55
Holly Evans
Israeli media is reporting that Iran has launched more than 100 missiles at Israel.
Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country’s air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. “However, the defense is not hermetic,” he said.
Biden says US prepared to help Israel defend itself
17:52
Holly Evans
US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself from Iranian missile attacks and to protect American military in the region.
“We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,” Biden said on X about a meeting held with Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House national security team earlier in the day.z
This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2024
We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region.
Alarms sound across Israel as missiles launched from Iran
17:49
Holly Evans
Alarms have sounded across the country and Israelis have rushed for shelter while reporters on state television have been seen laying flat on the ground during live broadcasts.
Earlier, the military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.
Iran has vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.
Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid an Iranian missile attack.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 1, 2024
Some media reports in Israel suggest that over 100 missiles have been launched in the attack. pic.twitter.com/BJ8R3H6XSw
Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran into Israel
17:37
Tara Cobham
The Israeli military has said missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel.
A warning alarm from Isael’s home front command has been heard sounding in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
US defense secretary Austin speaks with Israeli counterpart, officials say
17:31
Tara Cobham
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by phone on Tuesday, two US officials told Reuters, amid US warnings of an expected Iranian missile attack on Israel.
The United States has repeatedly said it would help defend Israel against any Iranian attack.
Watch: Israel troops prepare for targeted ground operation in Lebanon
17:30
Alex Croft
Watch as Israeli troops prepare for a targeted ground operation in Lebanon.
Israel announced overnight on Monday (30 September) that it had launched “targeted” raids on Hezbollah positions on the border with southern Lebanon, controlled by Hezbollah.
UN chief calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
17:28
Tara Cobham
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country to be respected, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs," Dujarric said in a statement, adding that Guterres spoke with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati earlier on Tuesday, telling him the UN was ready to help those in need.
"The Secretary-General will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation," Dujarric said.
He later told reporters at a briefing that UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, had seen sporadic incursions by the Israeli military.
"The information they have and they've received ... is that they've seen sporadic incursions by the IDF," Dujarric said. "They have not witnessed a full-scale invasion."
Rocket alert sirens heard across dozens of towns in Israel, according to local media
17:21
Tara Cobham
Rocket alert sirens have been heard across dozens of towns in Israel, according to local media.
The Times of Israel reports the sirens have been sounding in the centre of the country, the Sharon region, and the northern West Bank, including Kfar Saba, Kafr Kassem, Rosh Ha’ayin and Hod Hasharon.
Initial reports suggest a single projectile was fired from Lebanon and intercepted, according to the publication, with no reports of casualties so far.
Shooting attack in Tel Aviv with a number of casualties, police say
17:17
Tara Cobham
Israeli police said on Tuesday there was a suspected “terror” shooting in Tel Aviv on the border with Jaffa with a number of casualties.
Israel media reported at least four people were seriously injured.
Israeli military says potential Iranian missile attack likely to be on wide scale
17:15
Tara Cobham
Israel's military spokesman said on Tuesday that any missile attack from Iran was expected to be on a wide scale and urged citizens to take shelter in safe rooms in such an event.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, in a televised briefing, also said a barrage of rocket attacks aimed at the Tel Aviv region, which set off sirens, came from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Israel says it has killed commander overseeing Iran-Lebanon arms transfers
17:13
Tara Cobham
Israel‘s military said on Tuesday it had killed Muhammad Jaafar Qasir, a commander in charge of weapons transfers from Iran and its affiliates to Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Pentagon chief and Israel's defense minister discuss imminent Iran threat, Axios reports
17:07
Tara Cobham
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant discussed the imminent threat of an Iranian missile attack, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing the Israeli ministry of defense.
The pair’s discussion involved Israel’s readiness to defend itself as well as joint preparation to repel an Iranian attack, according to the publication’s report.
Analysis: Only Netanyahu will decide how far this conflict goes
17:03
Alex Croft
“It is the extreme uncertainty that will worry many leaders around the West and the Middle East.
“It is clear that US now cannot guide Netanyahu, or even force him, to take the course of action they would like without really putting the pressure on in a way Washington will find uncomfortable.
“How much further Israel goes in its invasion will be down to the whims of one man – Netanyahu.”
Read the full analysis from The Independent’s international editor, Chris Stevenson:
Iranian missiles could hit target in 12 minutes
16:44
Alex Croft
The ballistic missiles Iran is expected to use to attack Israel could reach their targets within 12 minutes, a source told Axios.
This is instead of drones or cruise missiles which usually take longer to reach their intended target.
Israel says it has not yet identified an aerial threat from Iran.
Iranian attack could be big as one in April
16:22
Alex Croft
US officials have warned of the threat of a potentially imminent Iranian missile attack on Israel.
The attack could be as big or bigger than the one carried out in April if it does go ahead, an official told Reuters news agency.
US and UK forces helped Israel intercept more than 99 percent of over 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran towards its territory on Saturday April 13.
It was Iran’s previously-promised response to Israeli airstrike destroyed the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.
Read more on April’s missile attack below:
US embassy in Israel tells citizens to take shelter
16:10
Alex Croft
As US officials suggest Iran may imminently launch a rocket attack, the US embassy in Israel has warned citizens to take cover.
“As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice.
“This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.
“The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and unmanned aircraft system UAS intrusions, often take place without warning.
“The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.
“In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank.”
UN Secretary-General calls for immediate ceasefire
16:06
Alex Croft
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday.
He said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs," Dujarric said in a statement,
Guterres spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati earlier on Tuesday, to inform him that the UN would help those in need.
"The Secretary-General will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation," Dujarric added.
Hezbollah launches more missiles towards Tel Aviv
15:59
Alex Croft
Hezbollah said on Tuesday it has launched more missiles towards military targets on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, this time towards the Sde Dov airbase.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Lebanese militant group launched missiles towards the headquarters of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, also on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.
In pictures: Lebanese first responders at the site of Beirut strike
15:53
Alex Croft
Israel has carried out multiple missile strikes in Beirut on Tuesday, witnesses report.
Lebanese first responders have been pictured standing by the apartment building which was hit by Israeli drones.
The National News Agency in Lebanon says Israeli strikes hit two areas of South Beirut on Tuesday.
Egypt condemns ‘serious escalation' by Israel
15:40
Alex Croft
Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelaty, has condemned the “serious escalation” after Israel said it had staged a “limited” ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
In a statement from the Egyptian foreign ministry, Abdelaty said it threatens to provoke tentions “in a way that will lead to dire security and humanitarian consequences”, The Guardian report.
Egypt will reject any attempts to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty, Abdelaty said.
Israeli spokesperson: Iranian attack would have repercussions
15:22
Alex Croft
Israel has not yet identified an aerial threat from Iran, a spokesperson for the military said.
Speaking to the press, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israeli air defence systems are prepared for an attack from Iranian missiles.
An attack by Iran would have repercussions with Israel in a high state of readiness, Hagari said minutes after the US warned an attack could be imminent.
He added that the United States Central Command is prepared for a threat from Iran.
UK government charters flight for British citizens to flee Lebanon: ‘We are in a state of terror’
15:13
Tom Watling
Will the Iranian people finally rise up in an ‘Arab Autumn’?
15:01
Tom Watling
Israel carries out strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, witness says
14:57
Tom Watling
An Israeli strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Tuesday, a Reuters witness said as the Israeli military announced it was targeting the Lebanese capital.
In pictures: Israeli forces gather at the border with Lebanon
14:48
Tom Watling
Iran intends to launch missile attack against Israel, report claims
14:42
Tom Watling
A senior US official has told Axios that they have intelligence that Iran intends to launch a missile attack against Israel in the near future.
The White House official said they are “actively assisting in military preparations to defend Israel against this Iranian attack”.
Iran vowed last week that what it calls Israel’s “criminal acts”, referring to widespread bombing of Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, will not go unanswered.
In April, Iran fired around 300 missiles and rockets at Israel, though the significant majority