Nine people were killed and 27 injured in a missile strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh on Sunday, according to emergency services. The attack, directly attributed to Iran by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), marks the deadliest single incident in Israel since the escalation of conflict with Iran began on Saturday.
The IDF accused Iran of firing missiles toward Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, stating they were deliberately targeting civilians. Officials reported that a synagogue, where people had sought shelter from air raids, was directly hit and completely destroyed. Rescuers are currently searching for 11 people still missing amidst the rubble.
The strikes are part of a wider Iranian offensive across the Middle East, launched in response to a joint US-Israeli air offensive that began on Saturday, resulting in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. Alongside the attack on Beit Shemesh, one person was killed in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates and another in Kuwait. Dozens more have been injured in strikes across the region.
The scale of the attacks has led to significant disruption of air travel, with thousands of flights grounded to and from the region – representing one of the most serious disruptions to global travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to reports, Iran utilized both ballistic missiles and drones in its attacks on US allies and assets across the Gulf. The Israeli military stated it dismantled Iranian combat headquarters, including intelligence and air force command centers in Tehran. The US Central Command claimed to have destroyed over 1,000 Iranian targets, encompassing missile sites, naval ships, and air defense systems.
In Tehran, a police station in Rey was reportedly struck, with Iranian media reporting casualties and individuals trapped under debris. State TV reported damage to its own headquarters, though broadcasting continued. Explosions were heard across the city.
The conflict has also impacted global markets, with fears of a surge in oil prices as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption. The United Arab Emirates has closed its Iranian embassy, and Etihad Airways has extended its suspension of flights.
Missiles were also launched toward Jerusalem, with air raid sirens sounding across West Jerusalem. The IDF reported intercepting the missiles, while also claiming to have targeted personnel managing operations against Israel.
