(NewsNation) — The Israeli Defense Force says Iran has launched missiles toward Israel, the start of an anticipated attack following increased conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Reporting from Haifa, NewsNation’s Robert Sherman reported hearing explosions as Israel intercepted missiles. Residents in several areas of the country were urged to take cover for a period of time before being told they could leave protected areas.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the situation room and said the military has been ordered to assist in shooting down missiles.
A defense official told NewsNation reiterated America’s commitment to Israel’s security and said U.S. forces were defending Israel against missile attacks.
“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” they said.
The attack is similar to one Iran launched in Israel, however, this attack used ballistic missiles rather than drones. Missiles are faster and more difficult for Israel to intercept and shoot down than slow-moving drones, giving the country’s air defense systems less time to respond.
Israel telegraphed that an attack of this sort could result in retaliation against significant Iranian targets.
“How much the Iranians are willing to back down right is the real question,” said NewsNation’s Leland Vittert.
The Iran Mission to UN said on X any retaliation with Israel would be met with more attacks and advised Israel’s allies to distance themselves.
“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,” the statement said.
The Pentagon said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the threat.
“The Secretary shared that over recent days the United States has increased force readiness and continues to maintain significant military capability in the region. Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Earlier, officials confirmed to NewsNation that Iran was preparing to “imminently” attack Israel with a ballistic missile following Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon.
“We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack,” the White House official said. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
U.S. ships and aircraft are already positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack by Iran. There are three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region. All have the capability to shoot down incoming missiles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Israeli citizens to follow the directives of Home Front Command.
“Second, stand together. Together we will stand steadfast in the trying days ahead of us. Together we will stand. Together we will fight and together we will win,” he said on X.
Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks last year, Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip. As the conflict dragged on, fears of a wider regional war increased.
Tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel have ramped up in recent weeks. Following the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Israel launched what it described as a “limited military campaign” in Lebanon.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to invade the country from the north and engaged in a number of attacks against the group. Prior to the ground assault, Israel told people in 27 villages near the Lebanese border to evacuate.
There is no indication of how large the attack from Iran is expected to be.
The U.S. recently deployed additional troops to the region, though there are no current plans to send another aircraft carrier to the region.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
