(NewsNation) — The Israeli Defense Force said Iran at least 180 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.
In a video message to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Iran made a big mistake – and it will pay for it. The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact a price from our enemies.”
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were monitoring the attack from the situation room and said the military had been ordered to assist in shooting down missiles.
“United States military actively supports the defense of Israel, and we’re still assessing the impact,” Biden said.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country’s air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israel’s national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel.
National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said Iran’s airstrike attack against Israel Tuesday “appears to have been defeated and ineffective.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin touted the “skill and bravery” of U.S. troops who helped intercept missiles, saying the U.S. will continue to support the defense of Israel.
“We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region,” Austin said in a statement.
A defense official telling 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.
Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Rear Admr. David Hagari warned the attack would have consequences and Israel would retaliate at “a time and place” of its choosing.
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 the 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 U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.
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.”
In a rally, former President Donald Trump warned that “catastrophe” was ahead as he criticized Biden and Harris for their response to the attacks, claiming they were “nonexistent.”
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.
Netanyahu urged Israeli citizens to follow the directives of the 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 several attacks against the group. Before 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. There are critical and consequential discussions taking place at the highest level of the Israeli government, largely revolving around how will they respond to Iran’s attack.
“On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, I say to you, citizens of Israel: Israel has the momentum and the axis of evil is in retreat. We will do whatever needs to be done to continue this trend. To achieve all of our war objectives, especially the return of all of our hostages, and ensure our existence and our future,” Netanyahu said.
“Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” Iran responded.
The U.S. recently deployed additional troops to the region, though there are no current plans to send another aircraft carrier to the region.
Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.