Israel says Iran has launched missile attack

Iran has launched missiles toward Israel, Israeli officials said Tuesday, shortly after the U.S. warned an attack was imminent.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said around 7:30 p.m. local time in Israel that missiles had just been launched from Iran.

Sirens have been sounded across Israel, according to the military.

Hagari added that Israeli civilians should remain vigilant and follow orders from authorities, which have sent messages to phones and directed people to safe zones.

He said air defense systems are fully operational and ready to intercept any missiles.

"The IDF is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel," he said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. "The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense at peak readiness."

A White House senior official warned earlier Tuesday morning that Iran was preparing an imminent attack, which comes just hours after Israel began raids into southern Lebanon targeting the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.

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