Israel's Ministry of Tourism has set up a round-the-clock virtual help desk in English and Hebrew for stranded travellers. But for anyone stuck here, all the museums are closed until further notice, entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem is barred to non-residents and many shops remain shuttered.

Israeli authorities have signaled that the barrage appears to have subsided, giving the all clear for people to leave their shelters. They said that emergency services were responding to reports of damage from the missiles and are providing treatment to several people with minor injuries.

Experts have said it is likely that Iran is using the bulk of its ballistic missiles to “distract and saturate” air defences to create an opening for more advanced weapons. That missile appears to be the Shahed Haj Qassem, which was fired at Israel for the first time at the weekend.

The Iron Dome is designed to protect Israeli citizens by launching guided missiles to intercept incoming rockets and other short-range threats in mid-air.

The US military has helped shoot down Iranian missiles that were headed toward Israel, two American officials said on Friday, according to Reuters News Agency. We have more on Netanyahu's statement now.