At least 25 people were injured in Israeli towns on Saturday as Iranian missiles struck Dimona and Arad, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and demonstrating Iran’s continued capacity to strike Israel despite weeks of Israeli and, reportedly, American attacks on its nuclear infrastructure.
The attacks, framed by Iranian state television as retaliation for an earlier strike on the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex, injured dozens in both cities. In Dimona, home to Israel’s main nuclear facility, a 10-year-old boy was critically wounded with multiple shrapnel injuries, and a woman sustained injuries from glass fragments, according to Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom. At least 39 people were wounded in Dimona overall. Arad experienced even more casualties, with at least 88 people injured, including 10 in serious condition, and extensive damage reported in the city center.
Israeli military officials stated that air defense systems were activated during the attacks, but were unable to intercept all incoming missiles. A military spokesman acknowledged the missiles were not “special or unfamiliar,” suggesting existing defense systems should have been effective. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported it had received no indication of damage to Israel’s Negev nuclear research center and that no abnormal radiation levels had been detected, but stated it was “closely monitoring the situation.”
The strikes follow a pattern of tit-for-tat attacks that began approximately four weeks ago, with Israel and the United States reportedly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian state media has claimed that more than 1,500 people have been killed in those attacks, including over 200 children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the evening as “difficult” for Israel and reiterated his commitment to continuing attacks on Iran.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a prominent Iranian official, stated that “Israel’s skies are defenseless” and suggested further attacks were planned. The attacks on Dimona and Arad prompted local authorities to declare mass casualty events, with emergency services struggling to cope with the influx of wounded. The extent of damage to buildings in Arad was significant, with reports of conventional warheads carrying hundreds of kilograms of explosives being used.
As of Sunday, March 22, 2026, no official statement has been released regarding a response from Israel beyond Netanyahu’s pledge to continue attacks on Iran.
