Missile warning sirens sounded this afternoon in dozens of cities across central Israel, as well as in the northern part of the West Bank.
Loud explosions were heard in several areas in and around Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military announced that a missile was launched from Lebanon and landed in an uninhabited area. Local media reports indicated that the missile fell into the sea near Bat Yam, without posing any threat to population centers.
Authorities urged residents in central Israel to stay close to shelters.
All U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East since last October are on high alert after a leak from the White House indicated signs that Iran may be preparing to strike Israel. A senior Pentagon official confirmed that the threat from Tehran is real and the risk significant, which is precisely why American forces in the region have been given orders.
CONTINUE READING
To Ισραήλ σκότωσε τον πατέρα Γρηγόριο Σαλούμ και την οικογένειά του στον νότιο Λίβανο
Σήμερα στην ευρύτερη περιοχή της Μέσης Ανατολής οι ΗΠΑ διαθέτουν περισσότερους από 40.000 άνδρες των ειδικών τους δυνάμεων, τουλάχιστον δώδεκα πολεμικά πλοία και τέσσερις μοίρες μαχητικών αεροσκαφών της Πολεμικής Αεροπορίας. Μόλις πριν από δύο εικοσιτετράωρα ο πρόεδρος των ΗΠΑ είχε ανακοινώσει πως οι αμερικανικές δυνάμεις θα ενισχυθούν το επόμενο διάστημα.
It is noted that last April marked the first time in the region's military history that Tehran launched a direct attack against Israel. In that operation, Iran fired hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles, over 90% of which were intercepted. U.S. and British fighter jets participated heavily in the interception efforts, while Saudi Arabia and Jordan closed their airspace.
This attack was Tehran's response to a strike by Tel Aviv on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, where 16 people were killed. Israel's target was General Mohammad Reza Zahidi, a high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Guards.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Pentagon has announced that thousands of troops are being sent to the Middle East to bolster security and defend Israel if necessary. A Pentagon spokesperson mentioned earlier today that additional fighter jet squadrons and their personnel will be reinforcing the US presence in the region.
