Iranian Missiles Hit Israel: Dozens Injured, Nuclear Facility Targeted

An Iranian missile strike on the city of Dimona in southern Israel injured at least 39 people Saturday night, including a 10-year-old boy critically wounded, according to Israeli emergency services. The attack, which caused significant damage to a building, is being described by Iranian state television as a “response” to a prior strike against its nuclear facility in Natanz.

Sirens sounded in areas east of Beersheba earlier Saturday evening, anticipating the arrival of Iranian missiles. One missile directly impacted Dimona, where the Negev Nuclear Research Center is located. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, reported treating casualties for shrapnel wounds, injuries sustained whereas seeking shelter, and panic attacks. A building sustained extensive damage, with a large hole visible in one wall, according to police photographs.

“There was extensive damage and chaos,” said MDA paramedic Karmel Cohen in a statement.

The Iranian attack follows reports of an earlier strike targeting the Natanz uranium enrichment complex. The Organization for Atomic Energy of Iran (OEAI) stated that the complex was targeted but reported no detection of radioactive material leakage.

Dimona, located in the Negev Desert, houses a nuclear reactor officially dedicated to research. While Israel maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding its nuclear arsenal, This proves widely believed to possess nuclear weapons.

In addition to the strike in Dimona, reports indicate that attacks by the Lebanese militia Hezbollah in northern Israel resulted in injuries. Sirens likewise sounded in the southern coastal city of Eilat.

According to Fox News, experts suggest the Iranian missile capability demonstrated in this attack confirms assessments previously made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s long-range missile capabilities. The Guardian reported that Iran has vowed “no leniency” in its response to perceived aggressions. Reuters reported that Israel has shut schools and banned gatherings in response to the attacks.

Al Jazeera reported that an Iranian missile strike on Israel’s Beit Shemesh killed nine people.