Explosions were heard in the Haifa area in northern Israel on Saturday following launches from Iran, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported.
Earlier, air raid sirens sounded in several areas across Israel after missiles were identified as launched from Iran toward the country, the Israeli army said.
Israel launched attack against Iran early Saturday under the name ‘Lion’s Roar,’ declaring a “special and immediate” state of emergency across the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed “major combat operations” in Iran aimed at defending the American people by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
The Iranian armed forces are also targeting U.S. bases in the region, according to Iranian television.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced in a video address on Saturday vowed to “annihilate” Iran’s navy and missile sites, urging Iranians to overthrow their government.
Trump made clear the goal was destruction of the Islamic republic’s military and toppling of the authorities in power since the 1979 revolution.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally — again — obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy,” Trump said in the address from his Florida home posted to his Truth Social platform.
Speaking to Iranians, Trump said: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
“This will be probably your only chance for generations,” Trump said. “The hour of your freedom is at hand.”
Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender, including the elite Revolutionary Guards that is tasked with safeguarding the cleric-run government.
“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity or in the alternative, face certain death.”
Trump justified the assault on Iran saying: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
(NAN/AA)
