Israel-Iran Live Updates: 10 Injured as Iranian Missile Hits Central Israel

Iran launched a fresh missile assault on Israel early Saturday, with strikes concentrated on the country’s northern region, including the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Air raid sirens blared across the area as civilians were urged to seek shelter. The renewed attack follows Iran’s earlier deployment of over 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation for overnight Israeli airstrikes that struck deep inside Iranian territory, killing several top military officials, including Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami, according to local media.

Israel, anticipating retaliation, claimed to have intercepted most of the drones before they breached its airspace. The confrontation marks one of the region’s most dangerous escalations in years.

In response to the missile strikes, Israel began evacuations in affected areas. Sirens sounded in various cities, including Tel Aviv, where residents rushed to bomb shelters. The Israeli military also reported detecting a missile fired from Yemen.

The current flare-up stems from Israel’s surprise military campaign, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, which involved multiple airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Israeli officials said the operation aimed to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, which they claim was nearing the “point of no return.”

According to Iranian state media, the Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking commanders and six nuclear scientists, including Iran’s Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri.

Following the operation, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of imminent retaliation:

“Following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities, ballistic missile production, and broader military infrastructure.

“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he declared.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a severe response, saying:

“With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate, and it will definitely receive it.”

The U.S. has stated that the Israeli action was unilateral, distancing itself from direct involvement. However, reports suggest the U.S. assisted Israel in intercepting incoming drones.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Both Israel and Iran have closed their airspace in light of the escalating conflict. Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Chitgar neighborhood in western Tehran, though it remains unclear which specific sites were hit.

Netanyahu, in a video address, reaffirmed Israel’s intent to continue the operation until the Iranian threat is neutralized.

“This operation will take as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us.”

World leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, have called for maximum restraint. China voiced deep concern, and France urged both nations to avoid further escalation that could destabilize the region.