Israel carries out preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, without U.S. involvement

ATTA KENARE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the operation would be ‘rolling back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival’

By Marc Rod

Israeli leaders said they carried out a series of preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and key personnel early Thursday evening, declaring a national state of emergency as it prepares for anticipated Iranian retaliation.

U.S. officials took steps to distance themselves from the Israeli strikes, emphasizing that it was not involved.

Israelis were instructed to stay close to protected spaces and avoid gatherings, educational activities have been canceled and the Israeli airspace has been closed.