Israel has closed its airspace indefinitely, citing security concerns, and suspended operations at Ben Gurion International Airport until further notice.
According to a report by the BBC on Saturday (June 14), the Israeli Ministry of Transport confirmed that the country's airspace will remain shut until new instructions are issued. Travellers have been advised that any updates regarding the reopening will be announced at least six hours in advance through media channels.
The move comes in the wake of a surprise Israeli airstrike on Iran late Thursday night (June 12), dubbed "Operation Rising Lion." The operation targeted key military facilities, nuclear research centres, and residential areas in Tehran and other regions.
The attack reportedly killed at least 78 people, including high-ranking Iranian military officials: Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Khatam al-Anbiya HQ Commander Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, and six nuclear scientists.
In retaliation, Iran launched a large-scale missile offensive on Friday night under the codename "Operation True Promise-3." Hundreds of missiles were fired, resulting in widespread damage across Israel and the deaths of at least four people.
Following the Iranian strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly took shelter in an underground bunker along with top security officials and senior cabinet members.
