Increased police presence at Israeli Embassy in DC following attack on Iran

WASHINGTON - There's an increased police presence outside of the Israeli embassy in D.C. following Israel's attack on Iran. 

What we know:

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed to FOX 5 on Thursday that there are additional road closures and increased police presence at the Embassy of Israel because of the attack.

The military action was taken as tensions have reached new heights over Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. 

 An Israeli military official confirmed that the attack had targeted Iranian nuclear sites. 

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted.

"In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately," he said in a statement.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address on YouTube that the country launched "a targeted military operation roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival."

He added that the attacks will continue "for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."

What happened:

Israel attacked Iran's capital, Tehran, with explosions booming across the city early Friday. 

Iranian state television says the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is feared dead after an Israeli attack. The report offered few other details about what happened to Gen. Hossein Salami of the Guard.

The report on air added that one other top Guard officials, as well as two nuclear scientists were also feared dead.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took "unilateral action against Iran" and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.

"We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.

Rubio also issued a warning to Iran that it should not target U.S. interests or personnel.

What they're saying:

Jewish Federation of Greater Washington's CEO, Gil Preuss, released the following statement on the Israeli strikes on Iran:

"The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and its leaders in defending the nation against ongoing threats. The situation with Iran remains deeply concerning, and we recognize the difficult decisions Israeli leaders must make to ensure the safety and security of their citizens.

 Iran’s actions continue to pose a serious challenge to regional stability and international security. We remain hopeful for a future guided by diplomacy and peace, but we also acknowledge the imperative of confronting those who endanger lives and fuel violence. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the current crisis."

Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, also released a statement. 

"We are deeply grateful to the on-site security officers and Montgomery County police officers who responded to the incident on Thursday afternoon at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (JDS). The swift actions of law enforcement personnel prevented potential violence and kept students, parents, and staff safe.

Video footage of the incident shows the individual — who was  allegedly carrying a  knife — making anti-Jewish comments, in addition to other hateful language. While the investigation is ongoing, the situation is yet another reminder that Jewish families and institutions remain under near-constant threat. It also demonstrates the importance of state and local governments continuing to make security dollars available to nonprofit institutions that are at risk of attacks. It is precisely because of those dollars that JDS was able to hire the on-site security officers who were on the scene. That investment can and does save lives.  

JCRC is committed to ensuring that Jewish institutions throughout our region can operate safely, openly, and proudly. We will continue working closely with law enforcement, elected officials, and community partners to protect our institutions and confront antisemitism wherever it appears."