In a shocking escalation of the ongoing conflict, Iranian missile strikes on Saturday injured 180 individuals across two southern Israeli towns, Arad and Dimona. The Israeli health ministry reported that 116 people were injured in Arad, while 64 were treated for injuries in Dimona, following ballistic missile attacks in the vicinity of a nuclear research facility.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it was not aware of any damage to the nuclear site, approximately 13 kilometers from Dimona.
According to Iranian reports, the missile strikes were executed as a direct response to prior military action against Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, raising concerns over the regional escalation of hostilities. Emergency services in Israel additionally reported injuries in Tel Aviv, where at least seven people were injured from an Iranian missile attack the following day.
Israeli military claims suggest that about 92% of the 400 missiles launched by Iran since the start of the conflict were intercepted. Despite this, the recent attacks underscore vulnerabilities in Israel's air defense systems, prompting urgent investigations.
Local accounts described the devastation in Arad, where numerous buildings sustained major damage, leaving craters and significant casualties. Eyewitness reports from medical personnel depicted traumatic injuries, including cases involving children. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog visited the impacted areas amid escalating public concern and calls for heightened security measures.
