A missile barrage launched from Iran toward Israel on Friday evening struck several locations in central parts of the country, causing property damage and multiple fires but no reported casualties, according to emergency services and local authorities.
Initial assessments indicate that at least one of the missiles carried a fragmentation warhead, designed to disperse numerous smaller explosive devices over a wide area after splitting at high altitude. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles that carry a single large warhead, fragmentation missiles scatter dozens of sub-munitions across a radius estimated at eight to ten kilometers, increasing the likelihood of damage in populated areas.
Security sources said the use of such warheads has become increasingly common in recent attacks. According to the assessments, approximately half of the missiles launched by Iran toward Israel in the past two weeks have carried fragmentation-type warheads.
Building Hit and Fire Erupts in Shoham
One of the missiles struck the town of Shoham, where a building sustained a direct hit that ignited a fire. Firefighters from the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze and search for possible trapped residents.
Emergency teams worked to secure the area and confirm that no one had been injured in the strike.
In Rishon LeZion, authorities reported eight separate impact sites across the city. Some of the fires were caused by fragments from interceptor missiles that fell in residential areas and ignited vehicles parked in the streets.
Mayor Raz Kinstlich visited one of the locations and emphasized that residents who followed safety instructions likely prevented a much more serious outcome.
“It has been proven time and again that entering protected spaces saves lives,” he said.
At one location in the city, residents of four residential buildings were evacuated after a rocket embedded in the ground failed to explode, raising fears of a delayed detonation.
Impact Near Historic Habib School
One of the missile impact locations in Rishon LeZion was near Habib School, founded in 1886 and considered the first school where all subjects were taught in Hebrew.
Bomb disposal units were called to the area to examine the unexploded ordnance and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
Residents who witnessed the attack described moments of panic as sirens sounded and explosions followed.
Tomer Nativ, who saw the missile fall in Rishon LeZion, said the event could have ended far more tragically.
“I finished running and saw the rocket fall,” he said. “We had a great miracle. My wife and our three children were inside the protected room. It was frightening—everything in the street caught fire.”
Damage Reported Earlier in Holon
Earlier in the evening, damage was also reported in Holon, where missile fragments struck a caravan park and a nearby horse farm. Several fires broke out but were quickly brought under control by emergency crews.
Authorities said none of the horses at the farm was injured.
Police warned residents not to approach missile impact locations or touch debris.
“We call on the public to remain attentive to safety instructions, avoid approaching impact zones and not touch shrapnel or interceptor fragments,” police said in a statement. “This allows police and rescue teams to carry out life-saving operations safely.”
Emergency services continue to inspect the affected areas and assess the full extent of the damage following the Friday evening missile barrage.
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