Israel says air defences responding to Iranian missiles

JERUSALEM, March 26 : The Israeli military said air defences were responding to missile attacks from Iran on Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

In two separate statements about 20 minutes apart, the military said it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel".

"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the statements said.

After the first attack, the military said people were "now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas of the country".

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said there were no reports of casualties.

The attacks came more than 14 hours after the military had previously announced incoming missiles from Iran.

Central Israel came under fire overnight from Lebanon, where Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed a series of attacks targeting military sites. Israeli media said six rockets were intercepted.  (AFP)