Israel under attack: Iran launches missiles, gunmen kill at least 8 near Tel Aviv

The Department of Homeland Security plans to dole out an additional $210 million to protect faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations against targeted attacks, the agency said Tuesday.

The funds come from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and are part of an effort to combat an increase in hate crimes and other forms of targeted violence against faith-based institutions and nonprofits that began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Many Jewish institutions have been targeted following Israel's response to the deadly attacks on its citizens.

“Now, when we continue to live in a heightened threat environment, the security-enhancing grant funds we provide to non-profit organizations are more critical than ever,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

After the Hamas attack on Israel, more than 3,200 faith-based and other nonprofit groups were awarded more $454 million in NSGP funding to purchase security cameras, additional warning and alert systems, gates and lighting, access control systems, and training programs for staff, DHS said.

CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour insisted Tuesday that Iran does not want conflict to escalate between itself and Israel, or the United States.

Amanpour made the statement during network coverage of Iran launching missile strikes into Israel in retaliation for the country’s airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon last week.

"Nobody, nobody - not the Lebanese nor the Iranians, want this to escalate even further. Iran does not want an Israeli or a U.S. war against it," Amanpour told CNN anchor Dana Bash on Tuesday morning, suggesting the current rocket barrage was calculated to prompt minimal response from Israeli forces.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this barrage of hundreds of missiles is in retaliation for the killing of the terror group leader Nasrallah in Beirut last week, and the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July.

Read more about what the CNN correspondent said.

Fox News Digital’s Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.

Jewish American leaders on Tuesday afternoon reacted to Iran's unprecedented missile attack against Israel.

The attack, which included more than a hundred missiles, according to Israel, came in response to the recent deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.

"The United States stands with its only democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, as it defends itself and its people against evil," Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Iran and its proxies must stop threatening the world."

In a Sept. 30 statement, Miller said, "Israel's efforts to dismantle Hezbollah are making the world a safer place."

Read more about what Miller had to say.

Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.

During a campaign Q&A in Milwaukee on Tuesday, former President Trump was asked by a reporter how he would handle Iran.

“Last week you had suggested that if Iran tried to attack you, that you would blow the country to smithereens. How would you handle Iran right now without US forces? Would you use U.S. force?” Trump was asked.

"You know, I wouldn't be around if they did that. But let's assume I'm not around, the president of the United States should blow that country to smithereens, because you can't do that," he replied.

“And the president should make a statement to that effect,” he added.

Trump added that Iran wasn't in a position to sponsor terrorism when he was in the White House.

He cited the Biden administration's issuing of a sanctions waiver in September 2023, which allowed $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds to be transferred from South Korea to Qatar as part of a deal to free five detained Americans in Iran.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., like several other lawmakers, released a statement condemning Iran’s massive missile attack on Israel, though he also continued to call for a ceasefire hostage deal to resolve a “wider conflict.”

“I strongly condemn Iran’s massive missile attack on Israel. For months, leaders in Israel and Iran have chosen to escalate tensions rather than pursue diplomatic solutions,” Sanders said. “They have pushed us to the brink of a wider and more disastrous war. The U.S. must now forcefully demand an end to hostilities.

“A ceasefire for [a] hostage deal remains the key to resolving the wider conflict. That could stop the escalatory cycle, and end the bombing and the rocket attacks, and allow displaced people to return to their homes sooner,” he added. “It is the only way to protect civilians, end suffering of the Palestinian people, as well as ensure peace in the region and security for Israel.”

Sanders also said the U.S. cannot allow extremist leaders in the Middle East draw our country into another war in the region.

The comments came as other lawmakers like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued statements condemning the attacks, as well.

"The United States will continue to stand by our ally Israel in support of Israel’s right to defend itself," Schumer said. "Iran and its proxies must be held accountable.”

The stock market took a small hit on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war escalated amid ground strikes from Israel and rocket attacks from Iran.

As of closing time on Tuesday, the Dow was down 0.4% and the S&P 500 was down 0.9%. The Nasdaq was down the largest margin at 1.5%.

At the same time, oil and defense shares rose: Exxon Mobil shares grew by 2.3% and Lockheed Martin was up 3.6%.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for the destruction of Iran's nuclear program, saying Israel has its greatest opportunity in 50 years to “change the face of the Middle East.”

“The octopus's tentacles are temporarily paralysed (sic) - now comes the head,” Bennet posted on X.

He said Iran, which “used to be good at chess,” made a mistake by launching a barrage of missile at Israel on Tuesday.

“We must act *now* to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, its central energy facilities, and to fatally cripple this terrorist regime,” he wrote. “To strike the head of the octopus of terror, that, in its cowardice, sent its tentacles (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, etc.) to murder us, while the Ayatollahs sat safely in their palaces in Tehran.”

“The octopus's tentacles are temporarily paralysed (sic) - now comes the head,” he added.

He further said Tehran has committed a range of atrocities against the Jewish state over the past year, including its proxies raping and kidnapping Israeli children.

“Now is the moment. A Nation of Lions has united and proven its strength over the last year. It has yearned for a change, for action, for so very long,” said Bennet. “There are times when history knocks at our door, and we must open it.” 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Iran’s attack in which nearly 200 missiles were launched toward Israel on Tuesday.

Starmer said in a video that over the last few hours, Iran launched the missiles toward civilian targets, adding it was too soon to assess the impact of the attack.

“I utterly condemn this attempt by the Iranian regime to harm innocent Israelis, to escalate this incredibly dangerous situation and push the region ever closer to the bring,” he said. “It cannot be tolerated. We stand with Israel and we recognize her right to self-defense in the face of this aggression.”

Starmer said Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah must stop the attacks.

“Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long – chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond,” he said. “Make no mistake. Britain stands foursquare against such violence. We support Israel’s reasonable demand for the security of its people.”

Starmer has spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the king of Jordan, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the past week, as well as leaders in the Middle East to help find a political solution to the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.

“This situation in Lebanon is increasingly grave,” Starmer said, advising British nationals in Lebanon to leave now.

“We’re doing everything we can to get people out,” he said. “But the situation is extremely volatile.”

The U.S. Embassy in Israel lifted its shelter in place order government employees and their families, hours after Iranian missiles targeted the country.

“The threat of missile barrages has diminished,” the State Department posted on X. “Consistent with current guidance from Israel’s Homefront Command, the shelter in place order for U.S. government employees and their family members has been lifted. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is continuously and closely monitoring the security situation.”

“However, the previous travel restrictions on U.S. government employees and their family members remain in place,” the post continued.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., called on the Biden-Harris administration to stop giving billions of dollars in sanctions relief to Iran and enforce all sanctions against the country to the fullest.

Johnson delivered remarks to the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, bringing up the latest attack by Iran against Israel.

“We're praying for the safety of the Israeli families, of course, and the House GOP leadership is urging the Biden-Harris administration to deliver a strong message to the Iranian regime that is this: unjustified violence and terror has to end,” the House speaker said. “We also recognize that it's hypocritical for the administration to express support for Israel's defense while continuing to appease the Iranian regime with billions or hundreds of billions of dollars in sanctions relief.

“It's long past time for the administration to fully enforce the Iran sanctions on the books and reimpose the UN sanctions, lest they expire,” Johnson continued. “Right now, American leadership has never been more important, and we need a maximum pressure campaign on Iran and its terror proxies.

“The world must know that the United States will continue to stand firmly with Israel as it fights for its very survival, and President Biden needs to make clear that there will be decisive economic and potential military ramifications for these actions,” he concluded.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations said Tuesday that the country reserves the right to defend itself.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Danny Danon condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel.

“This is the second time in months that Iran tried to attack Israel directly. On April 13, Iran launched dozens of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in violation of Israeli sovereignty and international law,” he wrote. "In response to these dangerous developments, I reiterate that Israel reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend itself and its citizens in accordance with international law against Iran's hostile acts."

Danon demanded the Security Council to "take decisive steps and condemn Iran for its ongoing violations and to designate the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization."

The global body will meet Wednesday to discuss the attack.

Six people were killed and nine injured during a Tuesday night terrorist attack in Israel, around the same time a large barrage of rocket fire targeted the Jewish state from Iran, authorities said.

The six civilians were either shot and stabbed in Tel Aviv, the Israel Police said.

“Two terrorists who started a killing spree on the lightrail and continued on foot were neutralized,” by authorities and bystanders who were carrying firearms, a police spokesman said in a video message released by authorities.

No information was released on the conditions of the nine people injured.

At around the same time, nearly 200 missiles targeted Israel in an attack by Iran.

Authorities urged civilians to stay close to shelters.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran after the country attacked Israel with hundreds of rockets on Tuesday.

Netanyahu began his statement by acknowledging the rocket attacks, which were "thwarted thanks to Israel's air defense system, which is the most advanced in the world."

"I commend the IDF for this impressive achievement... I also thank the United States for its support of our defense efforts," the Israeli leader said.

"Iran made a grave mistake this evening – and it will pay for it," he continued. "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our resolve to retaliate against our enemies."

Fox News' Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this update.

Vice President Harris, who spent part of her day in the Situation Room with President Biden, said she fully supported the president’s decision to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, adding her commitment to the security of Israel is “unwavering.”

On Tuesday, Harris said she was with Biden and the national security team in the Situation Room, where they monitored the attack from Iran on Israel in real time.

“I fully support President Biden’s order for the U.S. military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, just as we did in April,” she said. “We are still assessing the impact, but initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack. Our joint defenses have been effective and this operation and successful cooperation saved many innocent lives.

Harris continued, saying she will “always” have the ability to defend itself from Iran and Iranian-backed proxies, noting that her commitment to the security of Israel is “unwavering.”

“Iran is not only a threat to Israel. Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region,” she said. “American interests and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran based and backed terrorist proxies.

“We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend U.S. forces and interests against Iran and Iran backed terrorists,” Harris said. “And we will continue to work with our allies and partners to disrupt Iran's aggressive behavior and hold them accountable.”

Israel UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned Iran's attacks against Israel on Tuesday afternoon, as the conflicts in the Middle East escalate at a rapid pace.

Speaking to reporters, Danon issued an eerie threat against the Iranian government, promising a "painful" retaliation from Israel.

"I can tell you one thing," the ambassador said. It will be noticed. It will be painful."

"And I think that the people of Iran who are watching us understand that it is not against the Iranian people, it's against the radical regime that dragged the Iranian people into this situation," he added.

Fox News' David Hammelburg contributed to this update.

President Biden, who spent part of the day in the Situation Room, said the U.S. is fully supportive of Israel.

While providing an update on hurricane relief in the southeastern portion of the U.S., which was devastated by Helene over the weekend, Biden addressed the conflict between Israel and Iran.

“At my direction, the United State military actively supported the defense of Israel, and we’re still assessing the impact,” Biden said. “But, based on what we know, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective.

“This is a testament to Israeli military capability and the U.S. military,” he continued. “It’s also a testament to intensive planning between the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against the brazen attack.

“Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel,” Biden added.

The president noted that he spent the morning and part of the afternoon in the Situation Room, meeting with his national security team and consulting with Israelis.

House Republican leaders said the “strategy of appeasement” to Iran has failed following its brazen attack on Israel hours earlier.

“Iran is again brazenly attacking Israel with a barrage of rocket fire and an apparent coordinated terrorist attack. The world is watching as Israeli families seek safety and shelter as waves of missile attacks light up the sky,” read a joint statement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Chairwoman Elise Stefanik.

“The strategy of appeasement has failed, and a policy of interdiction is not enough,” they added.

The GOP leaders called for the Biden administration to continue to stand with Israel as it plots its response.

“American leadership has never been more important, and the world should know that the United States will continue to stand firmly with Israel as it fights for its very survival," they said. “Our adversaries are carrying out increasingly dangerous attacks because of Biden and Harris' weak and failed foreign policy.”

"The world needs America to return to a maximum pressure campaign against Iran, and President Biden needs to make clear that there will be decisive economic and potential military ramifications for these actions," they added.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday that it was time for Iran and its proxies to “face severe consequences,” after the country launched a barrage of nearly 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday.

“Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorists bent on destroying it. The United States must stand with our friend under fire,” McConnell said. “The Biden Administration has repeatedly threatened Iran with ‘severe consequences’ for its campaign of terror against Israel and the United States, but failed to impose them. It has pledged ‘ironclad’ support for Israel, only to delay and withhold the security assistance that would give this pledge any weight.

“It is not enough to issue statements,” the senator continued. “It is not enough to intercept missiles and drones moments before they reach civilians in Israel or U.S. personnel in the Red Sea. It is time for America to act like the friend of Israel we claim to be. It is time to replenish Israel’s supply of critical munitions.

“It is time for the world’s leading architects of terror, and their proxies, to face severe consequences,” McConnell concluded.

The "significant" role the U.S. played in helping Israel fend off Iran's aerial assault on Tuesday came just hours after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the U.S. had "increased force readiness" and stood ready.

"This is a significant escalation by Iran," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Tuesday. "It is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel."

The comments were made following a massive missile strike fired by Iran in which some 180 missiles were fired at Israel.

Read more about the United State’s role in defending Israel.

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall and Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Israeli military officials said “there will be consequences” against Iran following its attack on Israel Tuesday night.

In a short video message, Israel Defense Forces spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said most of the 180 ballistic missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by Israel and the U.S. military.

“There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel," said Hagari. "The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.”

Hagari added the attack was a “severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.”

“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness," he said. "Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”

Former President Trump cast the blame on Iran's attack on Israel on President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, saying the administration's policies have enriched the Islamic Republic.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made Iran rich in a very short period of three and a half years," Trump told supporters in Waunakee, Wisconsin. "They have $300 billion now. They're rich. I mean, they pay 6 billion every time they have, if they have somebody that was kidnaped, it's always $6 billion.”

Trump previously criticized the Biden administration for issuing a sanctions waiver in September 2023, which allowed $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds to be transferred from South Korea to Qatar as part of a deal to free five detained Americans in Iran.

Biden came under heavy scrutiny for the move following the attacks by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7.

“Iran was, on the verge of bankruptcy. They had no money left," Trump said Tuesday. “They had no money for Hamas. They had no money for Hezbollah.”

“The people they're fighting now, they would have been willing to make any deal,” he added. "You could have made any deal. But Kamala flooded them with American cash and everything. Now, I mean, they're flooding them with cash. It's honestly not even believable.”

Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran said God will help lead his country to victory against the Zionist regime.

“With God’s help, the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime,” Khamenei posted on X.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres condemned the attacks between Israel and Iran on Tuesday.

“I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation,” he said on X. “This must stop.  We absolutely need a ceasefire.”

The UN’s call for a ceasefire triggered a response from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We condemn your inability to string together a tweet which holds Iran responsible for firing 181 ballistic missiles at 10 million Israeli civilians,” the agency said.

U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea engaged some of the incoming Iranian ballistic missiles headed for Israel, officials said Tuesday.

During the attack, the U.S. military coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces to help defend the Jewish state, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters.

“U.S. Navy destroyers deployed to the Middle East region supported the defense of Israel by firing approximately a dozen interceptors against the incoming Iranian missiles,” he said. “. Initial reports indicate that Israel was able to intercept the majority of incoming missiles, and that there was minimal damage on the ground.”

The IDF said there were no reports of any deaths inside Israel.

Iran's attack on Israel was a "significant escalation' between the two Middle Eastern powers amid fears of a wider conflict in the region, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday.

The U.S. military worked with the Israel Defense Forces to help defend the Jewish state, he said. U.S. warships fired interceptors to shoot down Iranian missiles, he said. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watched from the White House Situation Room.

Israeli officials have said there were no reported deaths in Israel and reports of the death of a Palestinian civilian in Jericho, in the West Bank, were being tracked, Sullivan said.

“In short, based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective,” Sullivan said. "The word ‘fog of war’ was invented for a situation like this. This is a fluid situation."

Sullivan said the Biden administration would consult with the Israelis about the next steps. He did not go into detail about a potential response.

Jordan has placed its armed forces on “high alert” following an Iranian airstrike against Israel.

“Due to the recent developments, instability, and military escalation in the region, the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces - Arab Army has placed all units and formations on high alert to counter any potential threats to the kingdom's security and stability," the Jordanian armed forces said.

Military officials there were monitoring developments in the region and “implemented necessary precautionary measures to enhance frontline units on border fronts, ensuring homeland protection.”

Jordanian citizens were urged to avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors that could caused widespread panic.

“Rest assured, the Jordanian Armed Forces are committed to defending the homeland against any threats to its security and stability,” the military said.

Iran's airstrikes on Israel Tuesday night was the largest ballistic missile attack in history.

Israel said the Islamic Republic launched 181 ballistic missiles at the Jewish state, marking it as the largest ballistic missile attack in history, a move could widen the conflict in the Middle East.

The Israel Defense Forces released video footage of missiles targeting Jerusalem. No casualties were reported, the IDF said.

The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss Iran’s most recent attack on Israel, according to authorities.

In a statement on Tuesday, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon called Iran’s attack “the largest and most violent missile attack against the State of Israel to date.”

“We are ready and prepared defensively and offensively. The State of Israel will take all necessary measures to protect the citizens of Israel,” Danon said. “As we have previously made clear to the international community, any enemy that attacks Israel should expect a painful response.”

Danon added that the UN Security Council will meet Wednesday to discuss the attack on Israel.

Fox News’ David Hammelburg contributed to this report.

A U.S. defense official tells Fox News that “On accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel.  

“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” the official added. 

The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that Israelis are now permitted "to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country" following a missile attack by Iran.

"We request that the public continue to follow the Home Front Command's guidelines," it added.

Hundreds of missiles are reported to have been launched toward Israel by Iran.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

"During the defense, we carried out quite a few interceptions. There are some impacts in the center and areas in the south of the country," IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

"At this stage we are still carrying out an assessment [of the attack], but we are unaware of casualties," he added.

Israeli airspace is also in the process of reopening, with flights expected to resume in an hour.

Fox News' Yonat Friling contributed to this report.

The Israel Defense Forces have released a video showing Iranian missiles targeting Jerusalem. 

“Watch as Iranian missiles rain over the Old City in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews,” the IDF said. “This is the target of the Iranian regime: everyone.” 

The White House says “President Biden and Vice President Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team.  

“President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel,” the White House added in a statement. 

Iran has been launching barrages of missiles towards Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. 

Israel and Jordan also have closed their airspace as the attack is unfolding. 

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder says Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke today “to discuss the threat of an imminent Iranian attack against Israel.” 

“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,” Ryder said in a readout of the call. 

“The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the severe consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel,” he added. 

This was the second call between Austin and Gallant in the last 24 hours.

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

The White House tells Fox News that “this morning, President Biden convened a meeting with Vice President Harris and their national security team to discuss Iranian plans to imminently launch a significant ballistic missile attack against Israel.  

“They reviewed the status of U.S. preparations to help Israel defend against these attacks and protect U.S. personnel in the region,” the White House added. 

Fox News’ Nick Rojas contributed to this report. 

Iran’s anticipated ballistic missile attack against Israel is now underway, according to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, citing an Israeli source.

Yingst said initial reports indicate that around 100 missiles have been fired toward Israel. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system could be seen intercepting the projectiles.

The attack appears to be unfolding in waves. The IDF released a statement saying "Iran's attack is continuing" and "the Aerial Defense Array is currently identifying and intercepting launches."

Iran previously launched a failed missile attack on Israel in April of this year.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this latest barrage of missiles is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, Lebanon, in an Israeli airstrike late last week and the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, according to Yingst.

The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement earlier that "A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel."

"In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed life-saving instructions in various areas across the country," the IDF said. "The public is asked to adhere to the Home Front Command's guidelines. Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice."

Sirens could be heard going off across Israel during the attack.

"The IDF is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel. The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense at peak readiness," IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

"Continue to act responsibly and keep calm, as you have done so far, and make sure to follow the guidelines. We are strong and can handle this event as well," he added.

Eight people have been killed and others have been injured Tuesday in a shooting in the Israeli city of Jaffa, local officials tell Fox News' Trey Yingst.

Terrorists are reported to have opened fire on at least ten people, leaving them with various degrees of injuries, according to Israel’s TPS news agency. 

An Israeli police spokesperson later said both attackers have been eliminated, according to Walla News.

The U.S. Navy has positioned three guided-missile destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean to help defend against Iran's anticipated attack against Israel, which U.S. officials say could happen as early as this afternoon. 

The USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley and USS Cole are currently in the eastern Mediterranean. In April, the USS Arleigh Burke was one of two destroyers positioned in the area. 

Back in April, the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney guided-missile destroyers shot down more than 81 attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles fired by Iran toward Israel. 

The ballistic missiles were shot down using the SM-3 ballistic missile interceptor from the ships, which were in the eastern Mediterranean at the time. The SM-3 has a range of up to 1,550 miles. 

The U.S. currently does not have plans to send in evacuation flights to rescue those stranded inside Lebanon as the conflict with Israel intensifies, Fox News has been made aware. 

The State Department estimated that as of 2022, there were 86,000 Americans living in Lebanon. Israel’s military has launched limited ground operations inside the country targeting the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. 

Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon warned Americans there to "book any ticket available" on the dwindling number of flights departing the country. 

"We recommend that U.S. citizens who choose not to depart Lebanon prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period of time," it also said at the time. 

Fox News’ Gillian Turner contributed to this report. 

A U.S. official tells Fox News that Iran has been at a state of readiness to launch an attack on Israel within 12 to 24 hours since early August following the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. 

In recent days the U.S. has seen additional movement of missiles in Iran to prepare for the now "imminent" attack, the official said.

Iran started moving these missile launchers in recent days following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday. Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli airstrike.

The U.S. official said Iran's attack could look similar to the one it launched in April against Israel, which had more than 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. However, the U.S. official did not know what the exact scope or size will be. 

Iran could launch its attack as soon as this afternoon, U.S. officials also said.

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday during a tour of weapons seized from Hezbollah in Lebanon that the terrorist group's Radwan special forces unit is being dismantled.

“We are advancing the IDF’s operations and eliminating Radwan Forces -- this reflects our determination to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes," the Israel Defense Forces quoted Gallant as saying.

“Everything you see here – the weapons, missiles, explosives, RPGs – they were found by the IDF in areas from where Radwan forces planned launch attacks to kill and kidnap Israeli citizens," Gallant continued.

“We are eliminating the Hezbollah terrorist organization in southern Lebanon and dismantling its Radwan forces along the entire border," he also said.

The IDF says over the past few days, Gallant was briefed by the leader of the IDF’s Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, "on IDF activities to locate and destroy Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure in southern Lebanon" and "as part of the briefings, the Minister was shown a variety of Hezbollah weapons that were found and confiscated by IDF troops."

The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that sanctions are being imposed on two Israelis and a “violent extremist group” in the West Bank.

The move comes as a senior White House official tells Fox News that "The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

“The Department of State is today imposing sanctions on two Israeli individuals: a violent Israeli settler and the CEO and director of U.S.-designated Hashomer Yosh," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Hashomer Yosh describes itself as an organization that assists "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime."

"The actions of these individuals have contributed to creating an environment where violence and instability thrive,” Miller said. “Their actions, collectively and individually, undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. 

“Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is designating Hilltop Youth, a violent extremist group that has rampaged through Palestinian communities in the West Bank.  It has carried out killings, mass arson, and other so-called ‘price tag’ attacks to exact revenge and intimidate Palestinian civilians,” he added. “Hilltop Youth has repeatedly clashed with the Israeli military when it tries to counter Hilltop Youth’s destructive activities.” 

Fox News’ Gillian Turner and Nick Rojas contributed to this report. 

A senior White House official tells Fox News that "The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said Tuesday.

The development comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah "the flag-bearer of resistance" in the region."

The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged," Khamenei said after Nasrallah was killed late last week in Beirut, Lebanon, by an Israeli airstrike, according to Reuters. 

Fox News' Nick Rojas and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.

Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israel on Tuesday has declassified military operations aimed at thwarting an October 7-style attack by Hezbollah along the country’s northern border with Lebanon. 

In a video message, Hagari said the Lebanese terrorist group since the onset of the war in Gaza has fired more than 9,500 rockets at Israeli homes, forcing 60,000 residents to evacuate. 

“Hezbollah has openly declared that it plans to carry out its own October 7th massacre on Israel's northern border, but on an even larger scale. They call this plan ‘Conquer the Galilee,” Hagari said. “For years, Hezbollah has been planning to do in northern Israel what Hamas did in southern Israel on October 7th: invade Israel, infiltrate civilian communities and massacre innocent civilians. To make sure that Hezbollah can never carry out such an attack and in order to enable all 60,000 Israelis to safely return back to their homes in northern Israel, the IDF is taking action.” 

“Hezbollah planned to launch their October 7th attack from villages across southern Lebanon, where they have been building up their arms, capabilities and forces for the last two decades. Hezbollah also dug tunnels under homes in these villages close to the border with Israel,” Hagari continued. “Tonight, we are declassifying a series of IDF operations conducted since the beginning of the war aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure and capabilities in the area of the Israel-Lebanon border.” 

“During this operations, IDF Special Forces entered into Hezbollah compounds in dozens of locations along the border with Israel, collected intelligence, dismantled Hezbollah's weapons and terrorist infrastructures. Our soldiers entered Hezbollah's underground infrastructures, exposed Hezbollah's hidden weapon caches, and seized and destroyed the weapons, including advanced Iranian-made weapons,” he also said.  

“Overall, IDF soldiers exposed and dismantle over 700 Hezbollah terror assets during these operations,” according to Hagari. 

The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that it has called up " four additional reserve brigades for operational missions in the northern arena.” 

“This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organization and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes,” the IDF said in a statement. 

The development comes as Israel’s military is conducting limited ground operations inside Lebanon. 

Details are emerging Tuesday regarding Israel’s military operations inside Lebanon, with two Lebanese security sources telling Reuters that units crossed the border overnight for probing and reconnaissance missions. 

The maneuvers by the Israeli troops went only a short distance across the Israel-Lebanon border, an Israeli security official told the news agency, adding that there was no direct contact with Hezbollah terrorists. 

Local sources also said to Reuters that residents in southern Lebanon have been fleeing their homes over the last two days as Israeli airstrikes are drawing nearer. 

At least 600 are now taking refuge in a monastery near the border after the village of Ain Ebl received a warning from the Israeli military, the sources added. 

Hezbollah also said Tuesday that it fired missiles targeting suburbs of Tel Aviv, which Israeli officials say left two wounded after they were hit by shrapnel from the blasts, according to Reuters. 

As Israel continues to pound the Hezbollah terrorist movement in some of the most intense clashes since the 2006 war, United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSC) 1701 is facing new criticism for failing to disarm the Lebanon-based terrorist organization. 

The U.S. and other world powers passed Resolution 1701 at the United Nations Security Council in 2006 in an attempt to prevent a third war between Israel and the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hezbollah. Israel fought Hezbollah in 1982 and in the summer of 2006.

Two key elements of Resolution 1701 have proved to be largely ineffective, according to experts on Lebanon and the U.N.

The first part involved the 10,000 peacekeeping (with added personnel) U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that was expanded in 2006 to aid the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in assuming military control over the region, replacing Hezbollah, between the Litani River and the southern border in Lebanon. 

UNIFIL was tasked to work with the LAF to ensure the area was "free of any armed personnel, assets, and weapons." However, Hezbollah’s growing absorption of the Lebanese state has turned it the de facto ruler over the country, according to many experts, or a heavily armed "state within a state." 

The second crucial element of 1701 was to disarm Hezbollah. Yet, the Lebanese terrorist entity has dramatically re-armed itself to the point where it now has at least 150,000 missiles and rockets aimed at Israel.

North Korea on Tuesday is accusing Israel of committing “terrorist acts against Lebanon” following its strikes targeting Hezbollah terrorists inside the country. 

“Israel is resorting to massacre, terrorism and assassination, talking about the ‘right to self-defense' and ‘security.’ Its brutality and shamelessness are arousing great hatred and resentment of the international community,” North Korean state media quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying Tuesday. 

“It is a hideous war crime and unethical crime that Israel killed many civilians by committing indiscriminate military attacks and terrorist acts against Lebanon,” the spokesperson continued, describing Israel and the U.S. as “cancer-like entities of regional peace and stability and the common enemy of the Arab people.” 

“We strongly denounce Israel which is expanding its large-scale massacre of innocent civilians to the whole Middle East... and express invariable support and solidarity to the Arab people in their struggle for defending sovereignty, right to existence and territorial integrity,” the North Korean official added. 

Fox News’ Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report. 

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has released a statement Tuesday slamming Israel’s limited ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, calling it an “illegal invasion attempt” that must “end immediately.” 

“Israel’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon by launching a ground attack is an illegal invasion attempt,” the Ministry said. “This attack must come to an end immediately, and Israeli troops must withdraw from Lebanese territory.” 

Turkey added that Israel’s military operation “targets the security and stability of the region and beyond. 

“This dangerous invasion attempt is likely to spark a new wave of migration and to give ground to extremists all around the world,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.  

The Ministry concluded that the U.N. Security Council “must uphold international law and take the necessary measures against this attack that aims the occupation of Lebanon.” 

Former Navy SEAL Cameron Hamilton, who has trained Israeli soldiers, told "Fox News @ Night" that the Israeli military has “done a very effective job by reducing Hezbollah’s rocket infrastructure to less than 50 percent.” 

“Israel does feel, I’m sure, emboldened here with some momentum,” he continued. “I think they have to ensure that they keep their borders safe and we will see how long this goes.” 

Hamilton added that Israel wants peace and “they don’t want this conflict to continue.” 

The Israeli military announced Monday night that its troops began “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. 

“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the Israel Defense Forces said.  

The Israel Defense Forces released a video Tuesday purportedly showing a missile that was fired by Hezbollah landing in a village in central Israel. 

The IDF says the projectile landed in Kfar Qassem, which is located east of Tel Aviv. 

“Hezbollah doesn’t care who, or how. They only care about harming Israelis,” the IDF wrote on X. 

The two sides have been exchanging rocket fire since Hamas launched its war on Israel on Oct. 7 last year. 

On Monday, Hezbollah’s second-in-command Naim Qassem said the terrorist group will continue to fire rockets at Israel, adding that “We know that the battle may be long,” according to Reuters. 

Photos of Syrians celebrating the assassination of Hezbollah terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah last week put the spotlight on the brutal activities of the terror group's role in sex slavery, mass starvation and kidnappings in the Syrian civil war which led to the deaths of over half a million Syrians. 

Walid Phares, a leading expert on Hezbollah and Lebanon, told Fox News Digital that Hezbollah has "committed ethnic cleansing" in Syria. He said Hezbollah "was behind the uprooting of millions of Syrians, of all communities, mainly Sunni. They have perpetrated rape. They have perpetrated mass sexual abuse, including keeping sexual slaves."

Israel’s targeted assassination of Nasrallah last weekend has prompted greater interest in the inner workings of the Shiite terrorist organization that is widely considered the de facto ruler over Lebanon.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist entity is mainly known in America for bombing the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people in 1983, and the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut also in 1983, resulting in the murders of 241 U.S. military personnel.

A new investigative video series by the Center for Peace Communications (CPC) shines a rare light on the U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hezbollah’s role in sexual slavery, rape and mass murder. The shocking expose about Hezbollah’s enslavement of a Syrian woman aired days after Israel reportedly launched devastating explosions of pagers held by thousands of Hezbollah terrorists across Lebanon in September. 

CPC President Joseph Braude told Fox News Digital "Hezbollah’s war on Israel obscures its larger war to subjugate much of the region — as a tyrant in Lebanon, an occupier in Syria, a mafia of sex and drug trafficking, and the nerve center of Iran’s Arab empire. Millions of Arabs whose lives have been shattered by the militia want a different future. Hezbollah does not want the world to hear their voices."

The Israeli Defense Forces announced Tuesday it was carrying out "limited and targeted" raids along Israel's northern border against the terror group Hezbollah.

The ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli communities along the Jewish State's northern border, according to IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Hagari said Hezbollah turned villages in Lebanon into military bases in preparation for an attack on Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces’ Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee is urging residents of dozens of villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes Tuesday as the limited ground operation against Hezbollah is underway. 

“Hezbollah's activities are forcing the IDF to act against it. The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately,” he wrote on X. “Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, installations, and combat equipment is putting [their] life at risk. Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted.  

“You must immediately head north of the Awali River. Save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately,” he added. “Be careful, you are not allowed to head south. Any head south could put your life at risk. We will let you know when it is safe to return home.” 

The IDF announced earlier Tuesday that it was carrying out "limited and targeted" raids along Israel's northern border against the terrorist group Hezbollah. 

The raids come after Israeli airstrikes over the last week killed multiple top members of Hezbollah, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. 

Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.