Tel Aviv: Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, with warning sirens wailing across the city. Witnesses in Jerusalem also described hearing explosions, according to Reuters.

Israeli army radio said nearly 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran, says a Reuters report. It remains unclear whether these missiles are striking their targets or being intercepted in the sky. The situation is rapidly evolving. 

The Israeli military confirmed that sirens are sounding throughout the country and is advising citizens to shelter in place. This announcement followed warnings from a senior U.S. official, who stated that Iran was preparing to “imminently” launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the U.S. is actively supporting Israel's defensive measures.

"We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country," Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran on Monday, emphasizing that “there is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.” This statement came just days after an Israeli airstrike near Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Additionally, the Israeli military has urged several communities in southern Lebanon near the border to evacuate their homes, following the initiation of a limited ground operation against Hezbollah targets. (With inputs from agencies)