Two heavy Iranian ballistic missiles struck southern Israel within hours tonight after failing to be intercepted, hitting residential areas in Dimona and Arad and leaving large numbers of casualties, Israeli officials said.

The IDF has launched an investigation into what it described as a failure to intercept the incoming missiles, including one carrying a 450-kilogram warhead that directly hit a neighborhood in Arad.

The Israeli Air Force and Home Front Command are examining the circumstances surrounding the impacts. At this stage, officials say there are no clear answers, and some details remain restricted due to military censorship. The military stressed: “The defense is not hermetic.”

According to the IDF, interceptor systems failed twice within a short span of time to stop heavy ballistic missiles launched from Iran, resulting in direct hits in both Dimona and Arad. Both incidents are now under active investigation.

Initial assessments suggest that the missiles involved were not new types, but rather models that have previously been launched and successfully intercepted. This contradicts claims circulating in Iranian media that a new type of missile had been used. Military officials reiterated that Israel’s air defense systems are not foolproof and urged the public to continue strictly following Home Front Command instructions.

In Arad, 42 people were reported injured. According to Magen David Adom, six are in serious condition, 12 in moderate condition, and 25 sustained light injuries. The missile struck an area where many Gur chassidim reside. The blast caused extensive damage, and a fire broke out in one of the buildings before being brought under control.

In Dimona, 59 people were wounded and transported to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. Among them, a 12-year-old boy is listed in serious condition, and a man in his 20s is in moderate condition. Hospital officials said the remaining victims suffered light to moderate injuries or were treated for shock.