Missiles have been launched from Iran toward Israel, triggering sirens across the country, according to Israel’s military. Earlier on Tuesday, the White House warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, heightening fears of a broader conflict in the region.
In a statement released mid-morning, the White House confirmed it had “indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,” adding that the U.S. was “actively supporting defensive preparations to protect Israel against this attack.”
A senior White House official emphasized, “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran is likely to target three Israeli air bases and an intelligence facility north of Tel Aviv. The intelligence base at Glilot was evacuated Tuesday afternoon, and the Israeli military has put contingency plans in place for personnel safety.
The U.S. reportedly informed Israel that an attack was expected within 12 hours. Following this, CNN reported intense diplomatic efforts underway behind the scenes.
President Joe Biden convened a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and top national security officials to assess the situation. They reviewed U.S. preparations to assist Israel in defense efforts and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel in the region.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating, especially following Israel’s increased efforts against Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and its recent military operations in southern Lebanon. An Iranian missile strike on Israel could plunge the region into full-scale conflict.
Diplomats are also concerned about Israel’s potential retaliation, which could include strikes within Iran. “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recent speech at the United Nations.
The U.S. has pledged to assist Israel in intercepting any attacks, similar to its support in April when Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel. The vast majority of those were successfully intercepted.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel has directed government personnel and their families to shelter in place due to the “current security situation,” though it did not specifically mention the imminent attack warning.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urged the public to “stand together” and strictly follow frontline directives, reiterating that Israel is engaged in a “campaign against Iran’s axis of evil.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the U.S. is “tracking events in the Middle East very closely” and remains committed to Israel’s defense, though he made no direct mention of Iran or the potential attack.
This story will continue to be updated as new information emerges.