Israel's Night Strike on Iran: Airspace Over Four Countries Closed

After this Israeli attack on Iran, both countries closed their airspace. The Iraqi and Jordanian authorities decided to do the same. One of the world's busiest air corridors passes over the border with Iran. Many airlines had to redirect their planes.

After the Israeli attacks began, many of the planes flying over Iraq, among other places, were diverted to Central Asia or Saudi Arabia. One of the world's busiest air corridors runs over the border with Iran , from Europe to the Gulf States.

In Israel, the main airport - Ben Gurion Airport - has been closed.

Many airlines had already suspended flights to some Middle Eastern cities , including Tel Aviv, due to rising tensions in the region.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced early Friday that Israel had launched a preemptive strike against Iran. He also issued a countrywide alert and warned that Iranian retaliation was expected soon.

Civil defense warned that a "massive attack from the east" was expected in the coming hours.

SEE: Israel Attacks Iran. Polish Intelligence Services Monitor Israel's Military Activities

"This is a defining moment in Israel's history," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address to the nation after the attacks began. " Operation Rising Lion has begun , with the goal of stopping the Iranian threat to the existence of the state of Israel," the prime minister added.

The Israeli airstrikes targeted three military facilities in the northwest of the country. The Israeli Air Force has carried out five waves of attacks in Iran so far. "In total, hundreds of strikes have been carried out," the source added.