Israel's health ministry reported 180 injuries, including serious cases, following Iranian missile strikes targeting two towns in southern Israel close to a nuclear research facility. The strikes took place late Saturday, injuring 116 individuals in Arad and 64 in Dimona.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no damage to the nuclear facility located approximately 13 kilometers from Dimona. Iranian state television claimed the missile strikes were a retaliation for an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, underscoring the heightened tensions between the two nations.
Following these strikes, emergency services reported at least seven additional injuries from further missile attacks in Tel Aviv. Reports indicate that Iranian forces have launched around 400 missiles at Israel since the US-Israel attack on Iran that occurred on February 28, with Israeli defenses reportedly intercepting 92% of these attacks.
Locals described the missile impacts in Arad as terrifying, with damage to buildings causing deep craters and widespread destruction. Emergency responders recounted harrowing scenes, including a paramedic's account of rescuing children injured by debris in a residential building. I was trying to reassure a 10-year-old girl with head injuries, with blood on her face from broken glass, she stated.
The devastation in both Arad and Dimona was substantial. In these towns, missiles left many local residents traumatized, and over the past weeks, there has been increasing concern regarding the efficacy of Israel’s air defense system. Investigations are currently ongoing to better understand how these missiles were able to breach defenses.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog both visited the impacted areas, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing this crisis. The situation remains fluid, with a strong resolve among Israeli citizens amidst the rising threat of missile attacks.
