Israeli authorities declared an unprecedented state of emergency across the country after carrying out what Tel Aviv described as a “preemptive strike” targeting Iran, in a move that appeared to open a new phase of escalation.
Alhurra’s camera captured almost deserted streets as air raid sirens sounded in various areas, reviving scenes of tension amid anticipation of an Iranian response. Tehran quickly launched waves of missiles toward Israeli cities.
Our correspondent in Tel Aviv, Yehia Qasim, reported that the IDF’s Home Front Command decided to shift to a level of “essential activity only,” including the suspension of classes, a ban on gatherings and the closure of workplaces except for vital facilities.
Israeli authorities also sent warning notifications to mobile phones in an effort to raise public readiness, coinciding with the start of the Iranian missile response.
The government imposed a comprehensive closure of the airspace, and the Airports Authority called on citizens not to head to any of the country’s airports until further notice.
“Lion’s Roar” and “Epic Fury”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation against Iran was carried out in direct coordination with the United States, describing it as targeting what he called an “existential threat” coming from Tehran.
Netanyahu added: “Israel and the United States have begun a joint battle as part of “Operation Lion’s Roar.”
For his part, U.S. President Donald Trump said the objective of the operation was to “protect the American people by eliminating the imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime.”
The United States named its military action “Operation Epic Fury.”
In brief remarks posted on the platform Truth Social, Trump stressed: “We will destroy Iran’s missiles,” reiterating his firm rejection of Tehran possessing a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. president also accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear program through indirect means.
Netanyahu said the attacks targeted facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij, in addition to ballistic missile sites, confirming they were carried out in coordination with the U.S. military and vowing to continue the operation “as long as necessary.”
An Israeli official revealed that the operation had been in preparation for months and that its timing had been set weeks in advance.
The developments come amid broad military escalation in the Middle East, negatively affecting prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the yearslong dispute between Iran and the West over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The attack follows a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June, amid repeated warnings from Washington and Tel Aviv of a new strike if Tehran continued developing its nuclear and missile programs.
Israel maintains that any agreement the United States might reach with Iran must include the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, not merely a halt to enrichment, and it is pressing for the missile program to be included in any negotiations.
For its part, Iran says it is open to discussing limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but rejects linking the nuclear file to its missile program.
The article is a translation of the original Arabic.
Alhurra
