Israel vows to retaliate after Iran fires nearly 200 missiles in 'extensive' attack

Israel has vowed "there will be repercussions" following an "extensive" attack which saw a barrage of rockets fired towards it by Iran.

In a move that had been anticipated by officials, nearly 200 missiles were launched towards Israel earlier this evening, according to the country's army radio.

Israelis had been told to seek safety in bomb shelters and warning sirens sounded in Jerusalem shortly after 5.30pm UK time.

Window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not initially clear whether the noise was from missiles landing, being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.

At around 6.30pm UK time, Israelis were given permission to leave the protected spaces.

The attack, in retaliation for Israel's campaign against the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, marks a significant escalation in the conflict.

Israel-Lebanon latest: Follow live updates

Major developments this evening include:

• Explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
• Missiles seen flying over central Jordan
• Heavy continuous gunfire heard in Beirut
• Eight killed in shooting in Jaffa

Witnesses told Reuters they saw dozens of missiles flying over central Jordan and the country's army appealed to its citizens to stay in their homes for their safety.

Jordan's state news agency soon announced a temporary closure of its airspace, which lasted until around 7.55pm UK time.

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Take offs and landings at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport were suspended at around 6pm UK time, Israeli army radio said. An hour later, authorities said they were preparing to reopen the airport.

The attack from Iran was expected and orders to shelter were sent to Israelis' mobile phones and broadcast on national television earlier today.

The Israeli military said all civilians were in bomb shelters as the rockets were fired.

Reporting close to the Israel-Lebanon border, Sky's security and defence editor Deborah Haynes took cover as missiles flew overhead during a live broadcast.

Iran's state TV has claimed 90% of the missiles hit their targets while an Israeli spokesman has said officials there are so far not aware of any injuries from the attack.

Elsewhere in Tel Aviv, eight people were killed by two suspects who opened fire in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighbourhood in the south of the city, Israeli media reported.

Israeli police said the incident was a suspected "terror" shooting.

Israel warns of consequences - and Iran promises 'crushing' response

Meanwhile, Israel has said the attack will have consequences and Iran has already vowed to respond to any retaliation.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said: "There will be repercussions to this attack. We have plans.

"For now we are not identifying more attacks. We will operate at the time and place we decide."

Iran's UN Mission said in a social media post that if Israel "should dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue".

Its Revolutionary Guards also warned that any retaliation will spark a "more crushing and ruinous" response from Tehran, Iranian state TV reported.

In a post on X, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "should understand that Iran is not warlike, but it will stand firmly against any threat".

"This is only a glimpse of our capabilities" he continued. "Do not engage in conflict with Iran."

A senior Iranian official said its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was in a secure location.

The US - which warned Israel about Iran's imminent attack earlier on Monday - helped its ally defend itself.

US Navy destroyers fired around a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles, the Pentagon said.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer - who spoke to Mr Netanyahu and the King of Jordan, Abdullah II - has condemned Iran's actions "in the strongest possible terms".

"The prime minister said he will work alongside partners and do everything possible to push for de-escalation and push for a diplomatic solution," a Downing Street spokesperson added.

Earlier today, the US warned that Iran was getting ready to launch the attack and Israelis were subsequently told to "stay close to a protected space".

An unnamed government official told Sky's partner network NBC News that the US was helping Israel defend itself, and warned that a direct military attack on Israel would have "severe consequences" for Iran.

They also said the US was prepared to actively support Israel defend itself.

The warning came as Israel's military said its paratroopers and commandos were engaged in fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants after launching "limited, localised and targeted raids" against the armed group in Lebanon.

Iran previously launched a drone and missile barrage against Israel in April, but most projectiles did not reach their targets.

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