1 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Difficult Night Across Israel

Overnight into Sunday, Israel faced one of its most intense 24-hour periods of the war, with one person killed in the north and hundreds wounded in Iranian missile strikes on Dimona and Arad. Hospitals reported 175 people treated from the two southern impact zones, while the Health Ministry said 303 individuals were hospitalized nationwide over the past day.

The wave of attacks, spanning southern cities and the northern border, underscored the multi-front pressure Israel is facing as the war entered its fourth week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This has been a very difficult evening in the battle for our future.”

The first major strike hit Dimona on Saturday night, where a ballistic missile caused widespread destruction in a residential area. Around 60 people were injured, most lightly, as dozens of housing units were damaged. A kindergarten and a local clubhouse were destroyed in the blast. Authorities said one building would need to be demolished, and 485 residents who could not return home were evacuated overnight to a hotel at the Dead Sea. Among the wounded was a 12-year-old boy in serious condition who underwent surgery, according to hospital officials. 

A short time later, a second ballistic missile struck Arad, causing a larger-scale casualty event. Initial reports from emergency services put the number of wounded at 84, including 10 in serious condition, while later local assessments placed the total at 115 injured. Heavy damage was reported to approximately 20 buildings, and between 100 and 150 families were expected to be displaced. Arad Mayor Yair Maayan said, “Three buildings are now designated for demolition.”

The strike in Arad was assessed by Israeli officials as involving a large, single warhead rather than a cluster munition, marking a shift from some of the weapons used in previous days.

On Sunday morning, the strikes continued in the northern border, where a projectile fired from Lebanon struck near Kibbutz Misgav Am, hitting vehicles and killing one person. Emergency responders described a chaotic scene. “We arrived at the scene and saw two vehicles on fire. During firefighting operations, we identified a man in the driver’s seat. He had no signs of life, and we were forced to declare his death,” MDA medics said.

No siren was heard before the strike. The IDF said, “A launch from Lebanon toward a community on the northern border was identified. There is damage and casualties. The incident is under investigation.”

Additional fire continued into Sunday morning, including further Iranian launches toward central Israel. Reports indicated the possible use of a cluster munition, though no injuries were reported in that barrage.

The strain on Israel’s medical system was evident, with Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba declaring a mass casualty event as wounded from both southern strike zones arrived overnight. Dozens remained hospitalized as of Sunday morning.

In response to the attacks, the IDF Home Front Command tightened restrictions across large parts of southern Israel, including the Lachish region and the Negev. Educational activity was suspended, and gatherings were limited to 50 people, provided a protected space could be reached in time.

Iranian media and officials claimed the strikes were aimed at military or security-related sites, particularly in the Dimona area, which is widely associated with Israel’s undeclared nuclear program. Israel does not officially confirm details about the facility.

The IDF acknowledged that air defense systems had attempted to intercept at least some of the incoming missiles but did not prevent all impacts. “The air defense systems operated but did not intercept the missile. We will investigate the incident and learn from it,” the military said.