(Updated 3:22am ET) Live Updates: Iranian Attack Begins, Sirens Across Israel
The following is a live update feed courtesy of israelnationalnews. All times are Israel times.
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, 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:
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: 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 him 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 his head near the entrance to Arad. We provided him with life-saving medical care and evacuated him 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.
