LIVE: Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel as tensions surge

TEL AVIV: The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday that missiles had been fired from Iran toward Israel, prompting the country’s Home Front Command to issue life-saving guidelines for residents of several regions.

Dozens of explosions went off across Jerusalem on Tuesday night as air raid sirens went off, media reported.

“Shortly ago, missiles were fired from Iran towards Israel,” the military said in a statement. It said sirens sounded throughout Israel, including Jerusalem.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had fired dozens of missiles at Israel and warned that if Israel retaliated, Tehran’s response would be “more devastating and destructive,” according to Iranian state TV.

Israel had earlier warned of a possible large-scale missile attack by Iran following ground attacks by Israeli forces in Lebanon and airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions. It marks Israel’s first ground campaign in Lebanon in 18 years, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful proxy in the Middle East.

“This is the most significant escalation since last year’s Gaza conflict,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesman. He added that Iran’s missile attacks are expected to be large-scale. “We urge everyone to heed warnings and seek shelter immediately.”

In recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah’s leadership, reportedly killing several top commanders. More than a thousand Lebanese civilians have been killed and more than a million have been displaced from their homes.

Iran, which backs Hezbollah, has vowed to retaliate against Israel, raising fears that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries. Despite efforts by the US to contain the violence, fears of a regional war are rising as tensions rise.