Iran stated that it launched numerous missiles into Israel on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas. There have been no immediate reports of casualties, as Israel instructed residents to seek shelter in bomb shelters and air raid sirens sounded across the country. In Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, a series of explosions were heard, but it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing, being intercepted by Israeli defenses, or both. Both Israel and the United States have issued warnings of severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran, which supports the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris monitored the attack on Israel from the White House Situation Room. Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that the country’s air defense system was fully operational and able to detect and intercept threats, but he also noted that the defense is not impenetrable. Israelis were instructed to shelter in place via mobile alerts and national television announcements.
