As Iran retaliates, largest US military base in Middle East hit by ballistic missile, Qatar says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his first remarks on the strikes said in a statement that Israel and the U.S. "embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran."

Calling it Operation "The Roar of the Lion," Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump "for his historic leadership."

Netanyahu added: "This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity."

He called on the Iranian people to "throw off the yoke of tyranny," saying, "Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands."

Three U.S. officials confirm that the operation is expected to potentially last for several days with targets including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military sites, government buildings, Iranian intelligence assets and defense installations.

The Israel Defense Forces says it has "identified missiles launched from Iran toward" Israel and that defensive systems were operating to intercept the threat.

President Donald Trump announced the "massive and ongoing operation" targeting Iran.

Watch the full announcement: