Israel launched a “pre-emptive” strike against Iran on Saturday morning “to remove threats to Israel,” the Israeli Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a special and immediate state of emergency in all areas of Israel, according to the statement.

The ministry warned that a missile and drone attack against Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future. Sirens were sounded across Israel to warn the public to prepare for the possibility of an Iranian missile attack on Israel and mobile phone services have been cut in parts of Tehran.

The Israel Defence Forces has prohibited educational activities, public gatherings, and attendance at workplaces, allowing exceptions for essential services.

Take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have been halted, and passengers were advised not to come to the airport, according to the airport’s authority.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report