Live: Israeli defence minister orders attacks on Iran after ceasefire ‘violation’

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says he has ordered the country’s military to respond forcefully to what he said was Iran’s violation of a ceasefire with Israel.

The directive followed an announcement by the military that it had detected missile launches from Iran towards Israel.

Less than three hours earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that the ceasefire was now in effect. Katz said the military had now been instructed to carry out high-intensity operations against targets in Tehran

Earlier, Israel said it had agreed to Trump’s ceasefire proposal.

A statement on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government – Israel’s first official comments about the ceasefire – said Israel had achieved all of its objectives “and far beyond” after nearly two weeks of strikes on Iran.

“Israel has eliminated an immediate and dual existential threat – both in the nuclear domain and in the realm of ballistic missiles,” the statement said.

“Additionally, the IDF has achieved full aerial control over Tehran’s skies, dealt a severe blow to the Iranian military leadership, and destroyed dozens of key regime targets in Iran.”

Israel thanked Trump and the US for its military support “in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat”.

“Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire,” the statement warned.

Some flights from New Zealand headed for Doha were diverted to Oman, and Auckland Airport had warned flights to and through the Middle East may be affected by temporary airspace closures.