An Iranian cluster-style missile struck a kindergarten in the central city of Rishon Lezion on Saturday morning, causing heavy damage but no immediate reports of injuries, as air raid sirens sounded across central Israel, warning of incoming fire.
Authorities said the barrage included several projectiles launched from Iran, including a cluster munition, which is internationally banned. City officials said eight impact sites were recorded in Rishon Lezion, including the kindergarten.
Iranian missile fragments crash in Rishon Lezion, causing property damage
Shelter-in-place orders were issued for the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Ashdod, the Shphela lowlands and parts of the West Bank.
Rescue and Home Front Command teams were dispatched to the impact sites, while fire and rescue services said crews were en route to multiple reported scenes. The military also urged the public to avoid gathering near impact areas.
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Kindergarten in Rishon Lezion hit by internationally banned Iranian cluster munition
(Photo: Meir Turgeman)
Speaking to ynet from the scene of the strike on the kindergarten, Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich said the city would not reopen its education system until it is certain it is safe for children. “Tell me if you would send your children to a kindergarten like this," he said. "Granted, it’s Saturday, but it could have happened on a Sunday. Look at the time of day this happened — children were supposed to be there.”
Deputy Mayor Avi Haim said a “major disaster was averted,” noting that no children were present at the time.
Rishon Lezion Police Station chief Commander Gili Elhadad said the kindergarten was directly hit by a warhead from the cluster-style missile. He said police bomb disposal units and other forces were working to clear the scenes and urged the public to follow Home Front Command instructions and remain in protected spaces until given clearance to leave.
The Magen David Adom emergency service said there were no immediate reports of casualties. Shamir Medical Center later said a man in his 40s was lightly injured by shockwave from an Iranian munition.
At the same time, Iranian media reported that air defense systems were activated in Tehran.