As previously reported, a ballistic missile that landed in a densely populated Gur chassidishe neighborhood in Arad caused widespread fear and confusion, as emergency crews rushed to the scene and officials worked to account for residents in the area.

The missile struck between residential buildings on Shimon Street, near the city’s shopping center, leaving behind significant destruction and uncertainty regarding missing individuals in the immediate aftermath.

The buildings that were hit are largely home to families affiliated with the Gur kehilla. B’chasdei Hashem, medical officials reported that, as of now, there have been no fatalities from the Iranian missile strike.

Following the incident, Knesset member Yitzchok Goldknopf, a representative of the chassidus, together with his chief of staff Moti Babchik, went in to brief the Gerrer Rebbe on the details of the incident.

The Rebbe instructed them: “It is an obligation on everyone to follow the guidelines. We must increase our tefillos for the recovery of the injured.”

As they made their way toward Arad after meeting with the Rebbe, the two officials were in contact with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, as well as senior officials including the directors general of the Health and Interior ministries and MDA Director General Eli Bin.

Moshe Kovas, head of the ZAKA unit in Arad, said that at this point there are no confirmed fatalities. He noted that a three-year-old child had initially been reported missing but is believed to be safe and with family. He added that there is currently no need for additional emergency teams to arrive, though search efforts are still ongoing at the scene.

In response to the attacks in both Dimona and Arad, the Ministry of Education announced sweeping changes to the school schedule. Following consultations with the head of the Home Front Command, Education Minister Yoav Kisch said that on Sunday and Monday all previous exemptions are canceled, and in-person limudim will not take place anywhere in the country, including special education programs.

Instead, all instruction will be conducted remotely nationwide. Officials emphasized that all prior allowances for physical attendance — including for special education — are now suspended. A reassessment is planned ahead of Tuesday, after which further updates will be issued.