Nine people were killed and 28 others injured after an Iranian ballistic missile struck the city of Beit Shemesh in central Israel. According to medical authorities, two of the wounded are in serious condition, two are in moderate condition, and 24 sustained light injuries. Officials reported that most of the victims were sheltering in a public refuge when the missile hit.
Jerusalem District Police Chief Avshalom Peled stated that the missile directly struck a synagogue, which collapsed onto the public shelter beneath it. He described the incident as a “direct impact,” noting that the majority—if not all—of the victims were inside the shelter at the time of the strike.
The attack occurred amid rapidly escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with multiple missile strikes reported across different areas. Authorities say they are anticipating a significant response from both Israel and the United States as the situation continues to unfold.
Emergency services remain at the scene conducting rescue and recovery operations, while security forces assess the damage and monitor for further threats. The strike marks one of the deadliest recent incidents in the ongoing confrontation, heightening fears of broader regional escalation.
