Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel early Monday, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 150, Israeli authorities and news outlets reported. The strikes, which penetrated parts of Israel’s multilayered air-defence network, caused widespread destruction in several population centres and prompted repeated air-raid sirens across central and northern regions.
The deadliest single impact occurred in Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, where a missile struck a residential neighbourhood and a municipal bomb shelter, collapsing part of the shelter’s roof and destroying multiple buildings. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, said the toll in Beit Shemesh rose through the day to nine dead, with dozens wounded and at least two in serious condition. Israeli media described chaotic scenes, collapsed structures and missing persons at the site.
Earlier strikes in the Tel Aviv area killed two women — a 32-year-old and a 68-year-old who died while rushing to shelter — and wounded scores of others, MDA and local outlets reported. Haaretz and The Times of Israel cited additional impacts and shrapnel injuries in Jerusalem and surrounding towns. Overall injury figures reported by Israeli sources exceeded 150 people.
Israel’s air-defence systems — including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow battery — intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, military officials said, but several direct hits and falling debris caused significant civilian harm.
The Home Front Command urged residents to stay alert and heed sirens and shelter orders as security forces continued to assess damage and search collapsed buildings. Hospitals in affected areas remained on high alert, treating large numbers of wounded.
Iran’s government said it had launched the missiles as part of an escalating exchange of strikes with Israel, which has seen heightened tensions across the region in recent days. International reactions and the prospects for further escalation remained unclear as investigations and damage assessments continued.
This article draws on reporting by Magen David Adom and Israeli media, and on footage and images distributed by news agencies. Further details are expected as emergency services complete rescue operations and official tallies are updated.
