Over 250 Iranian missiles were fired at Israel over Shabbos, in six waves of attacks. Eleven people were killed, more than 300 injured, and extensive damage was caused in multiple cities. Israel has responded with hundreds of airstrikes in Iran and Yemen, killing senior military officials.
By Anash.org reporter
On Shabbos, Iran launched a direct attack on Eretz Yisroel, firing over 250 ballistic missiles in six massive barrages. The missiles were launched in waves throughout the night, beginning with the first barrage at 9:10 p.m., the second at 1:10 a.m., and the final wave at 5:10 a.m. Although most were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, approximately 25 missiles made impact, causing widespread and severe damage in civilian areas across central and northern Eretz Yisroel.
Among the targets hit was a building in the IDF’s central command headquarters, the Kirya. Residential neighborhoods suffered extensive damage, with missiles hitting homes and apartment buildings. Tragically, nine people were killed in the attacks, including five Arabs from one family. Confirmed victims include Etti Cohen Engel, 74, from Ramat Gan, and Yisrael Aloni, 73, from Rishon Letzion. A third individual from Rishon Letzion was also killed, but their name had not yet been released. These individuals were unable to reach shelter in time. In addition, over 220 people were injured, including a three-month-old baby who was pulled out from under the rubble.
As the situation continued to unfold, a mass casualty event was declared at Wolfson Hospital, where most of the injured were treated. Emergency services responded to at least 125 wounded, with five reported in serious condition. Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with people still trapped under debris.
Alongside the missile attack, several Iranian drones were intercepted by Israel’s air defense, some over border towns in the north and south. The Iranian regime deliberately targeted civilian centers, a move the Israeli government has vowed will be met with a severe response.
The Home Front Command has instructed residents throughout the country to stay near bomb shelters. Schools are closed, all non-essential workplaces have been shut, and public gatherings are forbidden. The airport remains closed. Remote learning is scheduled to begin Sunday, and schools are expected to remain closed for the coming week or longer. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that only underground bomb shelters offer reliable protection. Staircases and inner rooms have not proven safe. Those who do not reliably wake from sirens or phone alerts are instructed to sleep in bomb shelters at night.
In multiple public addresses, officials continued to urge the public: follow all directives, stay alert to sirens and instructions from the Home Front Command, and do not leave shelters until clearance is officially given.
Some analysts warn that Iran may attempt to launch a massive final barrage, using up much of its remaining missile arsenal—possibly as many as 2,000—if the regime believes it is facing imminent destruction at the hands of the IDF.
Following the attacks, Israel responded with a series of forceful retaliatory strikes deep inside Iran. The IDF currently maintains total air superiority over Iranian airspace, and Israeli fighter jets are flying openly over Tehran and other key regions. Hundreds of airstrikes have already been carried out by the IAF. One particularly significant operation targeted the leadership of Iran’s Air Force and Air Defense units, killing 30 senior officers in a direct and precise strike.
In addition to the strikes in Iran, Israel also struck targets in Yemen late Shabbos in what is being reported as an operation to eliminate a senior Houthi military leader.
While the immediate threat of a nuclear attack has been pushed back, the danger has not been completely removed. Iran still possesses a large stockpile of missiles, though the IDF has drastically reduced its operational capacity through these preemptive and reactive strikes.
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Why are there so many casualties?
By Mrs. Bruria Efune:
People are asking why we’re seeing so many more casualties than previous Iranian attacks.
The current situation is completely different. This is a complete war—an existential war.
As a reminder: Iran was preparing nuclear weapons to attack and completely wipe out Israel, G-d forbid. They were days away from being able to do this.
According to News 12, when the Israeli government cabinet voted to approve this war, they were warned: This could result in 800 – 4,000 dead, in the worst case scenario. Most in the first two nights of the war.
In previous attacks, Iran primarily targeted military sites in Israel. For example, the Nevatim Air Force base took several heavy hits. But being an Air Force base, most hits were inconsequential, and landed in empty areas or on one of many runways. Only a few missiles were actually aimed at civilian areas, making it easier to intercept.
Now Iran is specifically targeting civilians in densely populated areas. They are aiming for high civilian casualties.
According to the New York Times, the Iranian regime intended to launch 1,000 ballistic missiles at Israeli civilians tonight. However, because of preemptive IDF attacks, they only managed to launch 100 so far. These were concentrated on urban areas for maximum impact.
Around 95% of missiles were successfully intercepted.
Yes, several hits were made. A mass casualty event was declared, at least three were killed, and well over a hundred injured. Rescue operations are ongoing as 35 people are trapped under the rubble.
Our death toll from Iranian attacks is currently at 11. Because we are a united nation, even one would be a devastating tragedy.
But don’t for a second think that G-d stopped protecting us, or is here less than last time, G-d forbid. This is actually a miraculously low death toll.
Continue praying, giving charity, and doing mitzvot for the safety of Israel. G-d is listening.
WATCH:
Siren warning watch an incredible drone interception over Israel:
Footage from one of the ballistic missile impact sites in Tel-Aviv, with serious damage seen to several nearby residential buildings:
This morning, the Israeli Air Force caught a group of deployed Iranian ballistic missile launchers in Hamedan province.. At least 2 Iranian ballistic missile TELs, disguised as cargo trucks, were destroyed.
Via @Osinttechnical
Iran on fire:
Massive fire at Shahran oil depot in Iran
More on Iranian oil facilities:
Video of an Iranian drone being destroyed over Northern Israel:
Iran bombs an Arab city in Israel:
They should write how many Yidden(!) R”L and l’havdil non Jews [I hear that it is 3 Yidden while the rest are Arab]
Please let us know
It seems that three Yidden were killed, and the rest aren’t Jewish.
Hashem yikam domam!