Beit Shemesh [Israel], March 2 (ANI): An Iranian missile strike targeted the town of Beit Shemesh, located west of Jerusalem, resulting in significant casualties and structural devastation, Al Jazeera reported.
The strike caused extensive damage Sunday to several buildings, with one structure completely collapsing on impact. Authorities confirmed that at least nine Israelis were killed, while rescue teams continued searching for potential survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
In a significant lapse in the early warning system, sirens failed to sound before the missile struck the residential area.
According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military and local authorities have launched an investigation into why air defense systems did not activate in Beit Shemesh. The incident underscores that Israel’s multilayered air defense systems are not foolproof and cannot intercept every projectile directed at urban centers.
Similar defensive gaps were observed in Tel Aviv and other regions during the current escalation, as well as during previous confrontations in June.
The latest strike highlights Iran’s capability to deploy ballistic missiles that can reach major Israeli cities, inflicting substantial damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Al Jazeera reported that the development challenges the Israeli government’s narrative of invincibility and control amid sustained pressure on Tehran.
Parallel to the strikes in Israel, retaliatory attacks by Iran targeted several civilian and commercial hubs across Gulf Arab states on Sunday, causing injuries and infrastructure damage.
According to The Times of Israel, debris from an intercepted drone struck the Etihad Towers complex in Abu Dhabi, which houses the Israeli embassy along with other international missions. The Abu Dhabi state media office said falling fragments damaged the building’s facade and caused minor injuries to a woman and her child after interceptions resulted in loud sounds heard across the emirate.
The offensive followed joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran conducted Saturday. The Times of Israel reported that Iran subsequently targeted a range of civilian and commercial areas across the region, affecting major aviation and trade centers.
In Dubai, two people were injured after shrapnel from intercepted drones fell on residential properties. Authorities said Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel and Palm Jumeirah sustained damage overnight.
The Times of Israel also reported that thick black plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Jebel Ali port area after an intercepted missile caused a fire at one of the berths.
Maritime and trade sectors in other Gulf nations were also affected. In Oman, the Duqm commercial port was hit by two drones, injuring a worker. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Interior Ministry said it was managing a limited fire in an industrial zone caused by falling debris.
The Times of Israel noted that these developments have widened the conflict’s reach, threatening the stability of some of the Middle East’s most prominent tourism and trade hubs. (ANI)
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