Israel Launches Preemptive Strike against Iran, Declares State of Emergency across Country

Israel has carried out a “preemptive strike” against Iran early Saturday, citing intelligence that an Iranian missile and drone attack was imminent.

The Israel Defense Ministry stated that the strike was launched in anticipation of an attack “in the immediate future.” 

The scope and location of the strike was not immediately clear. In Tehran, witnesses heard the blast. Iranian state television later reported on the explosion, without offering a cause.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency and urged civilians to follow instructions from the Home Front Command and remain in protected areas. 

"You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas," the statement read.

Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that it had issued a "proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel."