Iran has launched an attack on Israel, raining down over 180 ballistic missiles on the nation’s central and southern areas.

The attack occurred on Tuesday night in response to Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas, which assassinated the leaders of both groups.

Responding as a part of the “Axis of Resistance”, Iran’s supreme leader made the decision to launch the attacks which Iran called “legal, rational and legitimate”.

Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” includes Palestinian group Hamas, Lebanese group Hezbollah, Yemeni group Houthi, as well as other groups within Syria and Iraq.

The explosions were heard mainly through Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Iran later stated that the attacks were targeted at three military bases in the Tel Aviv area.

Only hours before the air raids, Tel Aviv also experienced a terror attack. Six were killed and nine were wounded in shooting and stabbing attack at a light rail station in the capital. No group has claimed responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that there will be “consequences” for the barrage, saying that Iran have made a “big mistake” and will “pay for it”.

“Those who attack us; we attack them,” he said.

Israeli Defence Force (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari warned the Israeli Air Force will “strike powerfully in the Middle East.”

“The Israeli and US air defence systems operated effectively. There was close cooperation in detection and interception,” he said.

“Tonight’s event will have consequences.”

US President Joe Biden said there’s active discussions on how Israel will respond to the missile attacks.

“The attack appears to have been defeated,” he said.

“[It’s] a testament to intensive planning between the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against the brazen attack.”

Biden said the United States was “fully supportive” of Israel, but they’re still discussing with Israel what kind of response would be appropriate.

“We’re going to get all the data straight, we’re in constant contact with the Israeli government and our counterparts and that remains to be seen,” he said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the situation in the Middle East.

“It’s fortunate that it would appear that the Iron Dome and the actions of the United States have prevented any civilian casualties,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“There does, at some point, need to be a diplomatic solution here.”

Photo: Tel Aviv, 2016 by RG TLV is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.