Israel declares state of emergency, defence ministry says

Israel declared a state of emergency on Friday, warning of retaliatory action from Tehran after the Israelis launched a "preemptive strike" on the Islamic Republic.

"Following Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate term," a statement from the Israeli defence ministry said.

"Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defence Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel."