For the first time in the State of Israel's history, Iran has begun a direct attack on Israel, launching dozens of UAVs toward the Jewish state.
At 1:43 a.m. Israel time on Sunday, sirens began to wail in the central Negev region, shortly followed by other regions across the country including the Jerusalem and Dead Sea areas, Golan Heights, Gush Etzion, Hebron, and Samaria.
Live updates:
Friday, 8:03 p.m.: Sirens were sounded in Sderot and other communities located near the Gaza border.
Friday, 6:40 p.m.: With the start of Shabbat in Israel, Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk will continue to update the site.
Friday, 6:02 a.m.: The recent sirens in northern Israel were a false alarm.
Friday, 5:52 a.m.: The Home Front Command said that the incident in northern Israel has concluded.
Friday, 5:51 a.m.: The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that at this stage, there is no change in the directives of the Home Front Command. If there are any changes in the future, the public will be informed about them.
Friday, 5:47 a.m.: Sirens in northern Israel due to a suspected infiltration of a hostile aircraft.
Thursday, 10:04 p.m.: Sirens in Ashkelon.
Thursday, 9:57 p.m.: Two launches from Lebanon exploded on the Ramim Ridge in northern Israel. No injuries were reported.
Thursday, 9:43 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Margaliot and Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel.
Thursday, 9:02 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Mefalsim, in the Gaza envelope.
Thursday, 8:17 p.m.: Sirens sounded in northern Israel.
Thursday, 6:56 p.m.: Hostile aircraft infiltration in northern Israel.
Thursday, 6:25 p.m.: Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago concerning a hostile aircraft infiltration into the Western Galilee, it was determined to have been a false identification. Additionally, a launch was identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. No hits were identified.
Earlier today, IDF soldiers identified several Hezbollah terrorists via a drone. The terrorists operated in a military compound in the area of Blida in southern Lebanon. Upon the identification of the terrorists, IAF fighter jets struck the compound from which they operated.
Thursday, 6:02 p.m.: Sirens sounded in Arab al-Aramshe in northern Israel.
Thursday, 5:57 p.m.: Hostile aircraft infiltration in northern Israel.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m.: Overnight, IAF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terror targets in the area of Khiam, including a number of terrorist infrastructure, as well as two additional military structures.
Furthermore, IDF soldiers fired in order to remove an imminent threat in the area.
Moreover, an IAF aircraft eliminated two Hezbollah terrorists identified in the area or Kfarkela.
Thursday, 5:55 a.m.: Sirens were sounded in Metula, in northern Israel.
Thursday, 12:45 a.m.: Several rockets fired from Lebanon in the last barrage exploded in open areas in Metula. There were no reports of injuries.
Wednesday, 11:58 p.m.: Sirens were sounded in northern Israel.
Wednesday 9:35 p.m.: Earlier this evening, IAF fighter jets struck significant Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used by the terrorist organization’s aerial defense system in northern Baalbek.
In addition, a short while ago, IDF soldiers struck in order to remove an imminent threat in the area of Kawkaba.
Monday, 12:49 p.m.: Hostile aircraft infiltration in northern Israel.
Monday, 12:18 p.m.: Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terror targets, including a launch post, terrorist infrastructure, and military compounds in the areas of Seddiqine, Matmoura, Labbouneh, and Ayta ash Shab in southern Lebanon.
In addition, IDF soldiers struck in order to remove threats in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Labbouneh in southern Lebanon.
Monday, 7:23 a.m.: Overnight, IAF fighter jets successfully intercepted a UAV that approached Israel from the east.
The UAV was monitored by IDF soldiers, did not pose a threat and no sirens were sounded according to protocol. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.
Monday, 5:08 a.m.: Sirens in the Mateh Asher Regional Council in the Western Galilee.
Sunday, 10:16 p.m.: The IDF has confirmed that A short while ago, IAF and Israeli Naval forces identified a suspicious aerial target that crossed from the Red Sea into Israeli airspace.
An Israeli Navy missile ship successfully intercepted the target using the "C-Dome" Defense System.
The target was monitored by IDF forces and did not pose a threat. No sirens were sounded according to protocol. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.
Sunday, 9:58 p.m.: The C-dome aerial defense system has successfully intercepted a threat over the Red Sea off the coast of Eilat. No sirens were activated.
Sunday, 9:40 p.m. Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz spoke today with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné. He thanked them for their assistance in thwarting the Iranian attack on Israel last night, "for their steadfast support, and for true friendship in times of need".
With this, he emphasized: "Israel, like any other country, is committed to defending its citizens.
"I told them - it's your time to weaken the Iranian regime, to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and to impose crippling sanctions on the Iranian missile project. Iran must pay a price"
Sunday, 9:35 p.m.: French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné confirmed that French forces assisted in intercepting the Iranian attack on Israel on Saturday night. "We did what we needed to do," Séjourné stated.
Sunday, 9:27 p.m.: The Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted a video on social media showing Iranian missiles being intercepted over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and wrote in Hebrew: "Al-Quds will be in the hands of the Muslims, and the Muslim world will celebrate the liberation of Palestine."
Sunday, 9:19 p.m. Over the past hours, IAF fighter jets and additional aircraft struck Hezbollah military compounds and terrorist infrastructure in the areas of Kfarkela, Maroun El Ras, and Markaba in southern Lebanon. In addition, a Hezbollah observation post was struck in the area of Matmoura.
Throughout the day, IDF soldiers struck targets to remove threats in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Souaneh in southern Lebanon.
Sunday, 9:16 p.m.: Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and emphasized Israel's right to self-defense against Iran's unprecedented aggression. "I stressed that Iran and its proxies are the central threat to stability in the Middle East. The moderate countries in the region, along with the rest of the world, must act to stop Iran's aggression. The relationship with Egypt is important, and we will continue to work together to maintain stability and security in the region," Katz wrote in a statement.
Sunday, 7:58 p.m.: US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with King Abdullah of Jordan and discussed the Iranian attack.
Sunday, 7:10 p.m.: The G-7 condemned the "Iran's unprecedented attack" and called on both sides to use restraint.
Bloomberg reported that the leaders agreed to use all channels to urge Israel not to launch a counter-offensive against Iran.
Sunday, 6:55 p.m.: UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron formally condemned, "in the strongest terms," Iran’s attack on Israel in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian.
"I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate, and release the MSC Aries," Cameron noted.
Sunday, 6:47 p.m.: Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley condemned calls for Israel to show restraint following the attack by Iran: "Just like after October 7, the world supports Israel when she gets hit but is quick to condemn her when Israel hits back. That's wrong. No other country would be expected to do nothing in response to 300 missiles launched against its territory."
Sunday, 6:09 p.m.: The IDF has announced that following a situational assessment, the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines remain unchanged and in effect up until tomorrow, Monday, 15.04.2024, at 23:00 Israel time.
Sunday, 6:00 p.m: A White House official has confirmed to Reuters that US President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran.
Sunday, 4:34 p.m.: The War Cabinet has convened to discuss the Iranian attack.
Sunday, 4:28 p.m.: Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin condemned the Iranian attack against Israel and called for de-escalation.
"I strongly condemn Iran's attack on Israel. My thoughts are with the Israeli people at this time. The scale and intensity of the attack represents a flagrant threat to international peace and security and is utterly unacceptable. It does nothing to help the cause of the Palestinian people or bring us closer to an end to the suffering in Gaza.
"There is now an urgent need for regional de-escalation. Further escalation is in nobody's interest. I urge all actors to intensify efforts to restore stability. Ireland will work closely with our EU partners in responding to this crisis."
Sunday, 4:22 p.m. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps summed up his country's efforts to repel the Iranian attack against Israel: "Last night the UK intercepted and destroyed multiple one-way attack drones - launched by Iran and its proxies - that posed a threat to civilian lives in the Middle East.
"Additional Royal Air Force aircraft were deployed this weekend to bolster our presence. I thank our armed forces personnel for responding so quickly and effectively to such a serious threat. Their professionalism is second to none. All aircraft returned safely to base."
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.: The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs phoned his Iranian counterpart following the Iranian attack against Israel and told him that Turkey does not want an additional escalation in the region, Kan News reported. He stated that Turkey wishes to end steps that would intensify the tensions in the region. The Iranian Foreign Minister answered that his country's retribution against Israel had ended.
Sunday, 3:24 p.m.: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Iranian attack against Israel, stating: "Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using 'Shahed' drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same 'Shahed' drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes.
"Every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran's actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world.
"The sound of 'Shahed' drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide.
"The world cannot wait for discussions to go on. Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating. We must strengthen security and resolutely counter all those who want to make terror a new normal.
"It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time."
Sunday, 1:10 p.m.: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran summoned the ambassadors of Great Britain, France and Germany, apparently due to the countries' condemnation of the Iranian attack on Israel.
Sunday, 12:40 p.m.: The Russian government claimed that Iran acted properly in its overnight attack on Israel and did so in "strict accordance" with the right to self-defense under the rules of the UN.
Sunday, 9:47 a.m.: The Chief of Staff of the Iranian military, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, threatened an even larger attack if Israel retaliates following last night's massive drone and missile attack against the Jewish State.
"Our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran," Bagheri said, adding a threat against the US if America supports Israel's retaliation.
Sunday, 9:08 a.m.: President Isaac Herzog wrote on X: "Bless you dear soldiers and commanders of the IDF and IAF."
"Bless the coalition of nations led by the US and @POTUS.
"Bless my sisters and brothers, the people of Israel, for their exceptional show of resilience.
"Together, the forces of good will overcome the forces of evil.
'Am Yisrael Chai!"
Sunday, 8:38 a.m.: The Israel Aviation Authority announced the reopening of Ben Gurion Airport following the Iranian attack on Israel overnight.
"In accordance with the instructions of the security authorities, the airspace has opened, and Ben Gurion Airport has resumed operations starting at 7:30 a.m. The flight schedule from Ben Gurion Airport is expected to change. Passengers are requested to check with the airlines and on the Israel Airports Authority website for the new flight time tabe before arriving at the Ben Gurion airport. Domestic airports will open during the day. We will continue to update as the situation develops," the IAA announced.
Sunday, 8:26 a.m.: Jordan reopens its airspace hours after conclusion of Iranian attack on Israel.
Sunday, 8:05 a.m.: Prime Minister Netanyahu wrote on X, "We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win."
Sunday, 7:43 a.m.: IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "Last night Iran launched an attack against Israel and launched more than 300 threats of various types. The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF combined with a strong fighting coalition that together intercepted the vast majority of the threats," said Hagari.
He added, "We intercepted 99% of the threats launched against the territory of the State of Israel. This is a very significant strategic achievement. Of the approximately 170 unmanned aerial vehicles that Iran launched, zero penetrated Israeli territory. Dozens of them were intercepted by Air Force fighter jets, our air defense system, and the defense systems and aircraft of our partners. Of the more than 30 cruise missiles that Iran launched, zero penetrated Israeli territory. 25 of them were intercepted by air force fighter jets outside the country's borders."
Sunday, 6:47 a.m.: The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that, a short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck a number of military structures in a complex belonging to Hezbollah's Radwan Forces in the area of Jbaa in southern Lebanon.
Earlier during the night, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Khiam and Kfarkela, the statement added.
Sunday, 6:44 a.m.: US sources said that President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their conversation overnight Saturday that he opposes any Israeli attack on Iran and will not take part in it, Axios reported.
Sunday, 6:41 a.m.: The IDF updated that not a single drone or cruise missile launched in the Iranian barrage penetrated Israeli territory, and most of the targets were shot down outside the country's borders.
Sunday, 5:41 a.m.: A rocket fired from Lebanon exploded in the town of Katzrin in the Golan Heights, causing damage to property.
Sunday, 5:19 a.m.: Additional sirens in the Upper Galilee region.
Sunday, 4:46 a.m.: Sirens in the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel.
Sunday, 4:44 a.m.: About 28 rockets were fired into Israeli territory from Lebanese territory in the last barrage towards the north.
Air defense fighters intercepted some of the rockets. No damage was caused and there were no injuries.
Sunday, 4:16 a.m.: Sirens sounded in the Golan Heights.
Sunday, 3:40 a.m.: The IDF Spokesperson says the majority of the Iranian missiles and UAVs were intercepted outside of Israeli territory.
Sunday, 3:33 a.m.: The meeting of the Security Cabinet has ended after three hours.
Sunday, 3:26 a.m.: An Israeli defense official says that Israel has so far intercepted 100 ballistic missiles fired by Iran in addition to UAVs.
Sunday, 3:16 a.m.: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Iran's attack against Israel: "The air strike on Israeli territory that Iran launched last night is irresponsible and cannot be justified in any way. Iran is risking a conflagration. We stand closely by Israel's side and will now discuss everything further with our allies."
Sunday, 3:13 a.m.: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Iran's attack against Israel: "I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.
"I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war."
Sunday 3:05 a.m.: IDF Spokesman: IDF base in southern Israel lightly damaged in Iranian missile barrage. Over 200 missiles were launched. The incident has not yet ended. IAF jets are shooting down threats outside Israeli territory.
Sunday, 3:04 a.m.: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is speaking with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Minister updated the Secretary about Israel's defensive activies against the Iranian attack.
Sunday, 3:00 a.m.: Israeli PM Netanyahu and US President Biden will speak by phone in the next few minutes.
Sunday, 2:56 a.m.: Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan: "António Guterres, Iran has violated the UN charter and has shown that it is a threat to global peace and security.
"Where is your voice?? Where is your condemnation??
"Wake up!!!"
Sunday, 2:53 a.m.: In the recent missile barrage, 150 Iranian missiles were launched at Israel.
Sunday, 2:50 a.m.: Video shows Iranian missiles being intercepted over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Sunday, 2:48 a.m.: The IDF has renewed airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
Sunday, 2:43 a.m.: A senior U.S. official told ABC News that Iran has launched an additional 70 missiles.
Sunday, 2:36 a.m.: Israeli sources claim to Ynet that "we intercepted 99% of the Iranian response, we prepared from it." According to the "the fact that Iran shoots for the first time from its territory at Israel demands a determined response. It will come quickly."
Sunday, 2:29 a.m.: High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles: "The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel.
"This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security."
Sunday, 2:25 a.m.: President Biden has just concluded a meeting with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. "Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," the President stated.
Sunday, 2:22 a.m: Jordanian media is reporting that a large metal object has fallen in the capital city of Amman.
Sunday, 2:20 a.m.: Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the attacks by the Iranian regime against Israel: “Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.
“These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.
“I am receiving regular updates from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Clerk of the Privy Council as the situation develops. We are in contact with allies, and we will continue to monitor closely.”
Sunday, 2:11 a.m.: MDA is reporting that its medical teams are tending to a 10-year-old girl from a Bedouin encampment near Arad who was seriously wounded in the missile barrage. "MDA EMTs and paramedics treated a 10-year-old girl, suffering from a head injury. They evacuated her in serious condition, unconscious and ventilated to Soroka Hospital."
MDA paramedic Zohar Sarbintsky: "We met a private car carrying the unconscious 10-year-old girl with a shrapnel wound to her head near the entrance to Arad. We provided her with life-saving medical care and evacuated her to the hospital in serious condition."
Additionally, MDA teams treated about 20 people who suffered anxiety or minor injuries while seeking shelter.
Sunday,2:03 a.m: Reuters is reporting that Jordanian fighter jets have shot down dozens of Iranian UAVs en route to Israel.
Sunday, 2:00 a.m.: Israeli officials say there will be a strong response to the Iranian attacks.
Sunday, 1:43 a.m.: Sirens sounded in locations across Israel including the central Negev, Jerusalem and Dead Sea areas, Golan Heights, Gush Etzion, Hebron, and Samaria.
Sunday, 1:40 a.m.: Dozens of UAVs were intercepted over Jordan and Iraq.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari warned: "The Aerial Defense Array is fully operational and is intercepting threats wherever required, even at this very moment. At this time, numerous IAF planes are in the air, ready to counter any threat."
"You may hear explosions from interceptions or debris falling.
"Since there are a variety of threats, the alerts may be issued across wide areas.I urge you to refrain from spreading unverified rumors and reports."
Sunday, 1:34a.m.: Over 100 of the UAVs launched by Iran towards Israel were intercepted by the US and Britain.
Sunday, 1:29a.m.: The Iranian delegation to the United Nations announced that Iran's military operation against Israel was a "response to the aggression by the Zionist regime against the diplomatic representation in Damascus," and "in accordance with Section 51 of the United Nations convention (regarding attack for self-protection)."
"You can see that the process has ended. At the same time, if the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran's response will be significantly more severe."
Sunday, 1:17a.m.: The IDF has announced: "In accordance with the situational assessment, residents of the northern Golan Heights, the area of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat are required to stay near protective spaces until further notice."
"Upon the activation of sirens, it is required to enter into a protected space. If there is no protected space, it is required to find the most protected area possible. In any case, it is required to wait ten minutes, and no less.
"We ask the public to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command regarding the situation and wait for additional instructions."
Sunday, 1:15a.m.: Israeli sources have clarified that as of now, there have been no reports of ballistic missile launches.
Sunday, 1:11a.m.: Residents in Golan Heights ordered to stay near protected spaces
Sunday, 1:08a.m.: Interceptions have been reported in eastern Jordan, as a result of the first wave of UAVs launched from Iran towards Israel.
Sunday, 12:57a.m.: Hezbollah has taken responsibility for the launch of dozens of katushya missiles towards an IDF base in the Golan.
Israir has announced that its domestic flights have been canceled, and some of its international flights will be delayed.
Sunday, 12:53a.m.: Official sources told the New York Times that the the expected targets are the Golan Heights and Air Force bases in the Negev.
Sunday, 12:40a.m.: A first wave of ballistic missiles has been launched from Iran towards Israel, reports said.
The sirens which sounded in northern Israel were the result of missiles launched from Lebanon.
Sunday, 12:30a.m.: British fighter planes take off from Cyprus to intercept UAVs.
Sunday, 12:28a.m.: Sirens sound in Kibbutz Snir, in the Galilee.
Sunday, 12:27a.m.: UAVs were fired from Yemen towards Israel.
Sunday, 12:26a.m.: Arab reports said that US forces begin intercepting UAVs over Iraq and Syria.
Sunday, 12:24a.m.: US sources estimate that the attack will include between 400-500 UAVs launched towards Israel - in addition to missiles.
Iran announces that the attack has been named, "The Faithful Promise."
Sunday, 12:17a.m.: IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari urges Israel to adhere to Home Front Command guidelines, and warned that GPS services will not be available in all areas.
Sunday, 12:01a.m.: A third wave was reported at midnight on Sunday morning. According to the IDF, over 100 UAVs had been launched by Iran towards Israel.
Saturday, 11:43p.m.: Reports say that cruise missiles were also launched towards Israel.
Saturday, 11:41p.m.: El Al has announced that some of its flights will be canceled. Full details may be found on El Al's website and social media accounts, and alternative flights will be provided as soon as possible.
Saturday, 11:31p.m.: Security sources estimate that the UAVs will arrive in Israel between 2:00a.m. and 4:00a.m. on Sunday morning.
Saturday, 11:28p.m.: Jordan has closed its airspace, and Israel announced that its airspace would remain closed between 12:30a.m. and 7:00a.m. on Sunday morning.
Saturday, 11:26p.m.: The Ramon airport near Eilat will be closed to traffic.
Saturday, 11:22p.m.: Extensive strikes are reported in southern Lebanon.
Saturday, 11:20p.m.: A second round of UAVs was launched from Iranian territory towards Israel. Later reports said
Saturday, 11:16p.m.: A security source has reported that UAVs are being launched at Israel not only from Iran, but from other countries as well.
Saturday, 10:59p.m.: The IDF confirms the Iranian attack on Israel.
Saturday, 10:40p.m.: Iran begins launching UAVs towards Israel.