THE LATEST: Netanyahu declares mission to remove "existential threat"

2026-02-28 - 08:48

10:25 Central Israel remains on high alert as the IDF confirmed a fresh barrage of missiles launched from Iran. The military urged citizens to strictly adhere to the instructions of the Home Front Command (the military body responsible for civil defense) and remain in protected spaces until further notice. "The IDF Spokesperson reiterates the warning not to publish or share the locations or footage of impacts," the military said, noting that air defenses are actively intercepting threats across the country.  Video: Trump vows toppling regime / Credit: White House 10:24 Across the Mediterranean, the Cypriot government has moved to help foreign nationals escaping the crisis. Nicosia activated the Estia plan (an emergency evacuation and absorption protocol) earlier Saturday, readying schools and public buildings to house those fleeing the regional instability. 10:19 "A short time ago, we embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday. He emphasized that the "murderous" regime must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. "Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands," the Prime Minister added. 10:15 The sirens have also reached the north, where alerts were triggered following the detection of Iranian missiles entering Israeli airspace. Defense officials warned that the alerts would likely spread across the entire country as more launches are identified. 10:07 Widespread alerts are expected in the coming minutes as the IDF tracks multiple launches heading toward Israeli territory. 10:04 Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a stern warning to Hezbollah on X (formerly Twitter), urging national unity. "We will not allow anyone to drag the country into adventures that threaten its security," Mikati wrote, calling on the Lebanese people to prioritize wisdom over external interests. 10:03 In Tehran, the regime's communications are failing. The New York Times reported a total collapse of landline infrastructure and significant cellular outages across the capital. 10:01 While rumors swirled about the leadership, the Tasnim News Agency claimed President Masoud Pezeshkian remained "completely healthy" and unharmed following the initial wave of strikes. 09:55 Iranian state media outlets like Tasnim and ISNA have reportedly come under a massive cyberattack launched in tandem with the physical bombardments, crippling their ability to broadcast. 09:52 Domestic incidents in Israel are also being monitored. In Holon (south of Tel Aviv), fire crews worked to extinguish a blaze involving several buses on HaBanai Street. While the cause is under investigation, no injuries were reported. 09:47 Israeli officials are describing the military cooperation with Washington as historic. "The coordination with the Americans is full and tight at all levels – diplomatic, security, intelligence, and military," one official said. They noted that while previous exercises like 'Juniper Oak' (a joint US-Israel military drill) paved the way, this marks the first time the two nations have launched a combined offensive using their air forces and navies. 09:45 The regional chaos has grounded civilian travel. With the closure of Israeli airspace, thousands of Israelis are stranded abroad as tourism companies and government ministries shift to emergency operations. Explosions in Tehran on February 28, 2026 (foreground: Iran, Israel and US leaders) / Social media; Oren Ben Hakoon, AP 09:41 President Donald Trump delivered a blunt message to the Iranian military. "To the members of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), lay down your arms or you will be destroyed," Trump said, adding that while American lives may be at risk, the goal is the total destruction of Iran's missile industry. "To the Iranian people: after we finish – take control of the regime." 09:39 In Jerusalem, Netanyahu is currently leading a high-level situational assessment with a select group of top officials. 09:39 Social media has been flooded with footage of IAF (Israeli Air Force) F-15s operating over the skies of Tehran during the ongoing strike. 09:34 The Mossad reached out to the Iranian public with a message of solidarity. "We are with you; together we will return Iran to its glory days," the agency stated, urging citizens to stay safe. 09:33 Trump confirmed that the US military had initiated "major military operations" to neutralize immediate threats to American security and destroy the Iranian missile threat. 09:31 The medical sector is shifting to a war footing. Hadassah Medical Center began discharging stable patients and transferring others to underground facilities at its Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus (neighborhoods in Jerusalem) campuses. "Both underground hospital facilities are operating as of this hour," the center confirmed. 09:30 Military analysts told the New York Times that the strikes are designed to dismantle Iran's military machine, specifically targeting its arsenal of over 2,000 ballistic missiles deployed across the country. 09:29 The Home Front Command has already canceled all school activities across Israel for Monday in anticipation of further escalation following the strikes in Iran. 09:22 In Cyprus, Larnaca Airport is serving as a primary diversion point for flights unable to land in Israel. Authorities on the island are meeting to discuss further implementation of the Estia evacuation plan. 09:22 The offensive is truly multi-domain, with senior US officials telling Al Jazeera that strikes are being launched from both the air and the sea. 09:21 "The attacks are also being conducted from the sea," a senior US official reiterated to Al Jazeera. 09:06 Nadim Koteich, the former CEO of Sky News Arabia, warned that the "shocking" identities of those targeted in the Iranian leadership would be revealed in the coming hours. Donald Trump has warned Iran's leadership it might suffer an attack worse than the so-called 12-Day War (seen in background) / Reuters; Getty Images; AFP; AP; EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH 09:04 As of Saturday morning, all civilian aviation in Israel has been grounded following the closure of the national airspace. 09:03 American officials told the Qatari channel Al Jazeera that the airstrikes on Iran are expected to be "wide-ranging" and persistent. 09:01 Reports from Tehran via Reuters suggest that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been evacuated to a high-security bunker as American attacks remain "in full swing." Iranian authorities have officially closed the country's airspace. 08:55 A senior American official confirmed to the New York Times that the military operations against Iran are currently in their primary phase. 08:48 Israeli officials do not expect an immediate Iranian response before Sunday night, noting that the strikes have been extensive, hitting even the presidential compound. 08:45 The strike in Iran is a combined offensive in which Israel and the United States participated. 08:41 "The people of Israel are strong, the IDF and the Air Force are strong, and the strongest power in the world stands by us," Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said. He called for national unity, stating there is "no coalition or opposition" during such a critical hour. 08:39 As the morning progressed, more reports emerged of missile impacts in central Tehran, specifically near University Street and the Jomhuri district. 08:25 In the air, civilian flights – including Wizz Air routes from Larnaca and Sofia – were forced to circle as they were denied entry into Israeli airspace.