Defense Minister Yisroel Katz visited the site of the missile strike in Bnei Brak on Wednesday, where 14 people were wounded by a direct hit from an Iranian ballistic missile, delivering remarks of support alongside senior officials.

Katz toured the scene together with MK Moshe Gafni, Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert, and Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Shai Kalper.

The visit followed a severe early-morning attack in which an 11-year-old girl was critically injured, a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded, and dozens of others were hurt by the blast and shrapnel. The missile, launched from deep inside Iran, caused heavy destruction in the center of the city.

Speaking at the scene, Katz extended holiday greetings to IDF soldiers and the Israeli public. “I want, from here, on behalf of all of us, to extend holiday greetings and great thanks to the brave IDF soldiers who are fighting in the air, at sea, and on land,” he said. “I meet them in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in Syria, and I meet the pilots before and after they fly to Iran and everywhere — I see their commitment to protecting the safety of Israel’s citizens.”

The defense minister added, “There is no nation in the world that has such brave soldiers. The entire people must embrace them and strengthen them.” He also urged the public to follow safety guidelines, emphasizing their importance. “I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and ask that you adhere to Home Front Command instructions — they save lives and allow the IDF to continue striking our enemies.”

In a separate message, Katz addressed the families of IDF soldiers and commanders stationed along Israel’s borders. “I turn from here to the mothers, fathers, spouses, and family members of IDF soldiers and commanders deployed across all of Israel’s borders,” he said. “We have prepared for the holiday evening to provide the best possible response for each of our soldiers in every sector.”

He noted that many troops would not be home for the holiday. “Most of them are not celebrating the holiday with you. Be proud of them. They are acting with dedication, determination, and responsibility for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens, even during this holiday.”

Katz also addressed children across the country. “Dear children, some of your fathers and mothers are not with you on the holiday evening. Know that they are protecting you. They are a generation of lions — heroes and heroines.”

The visit comes during a week of heightened tensions, with multiple missile strikes reported across Israel as Iran continues launching ballistic missiles. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin warned that Iran and Hezbollah could continue attacks during the Passover holiday.

At the same time, the IDF continues broad military operations across multiple fronts. Katz recently presented a strategic plan for operations in Lebanon that includes establishing a security zone inside southern Lebanon and preventing more than 600,000 residents from returning south of the Litani River.

Concluding his remarks, Katz emphasized Israel’s core sources of strength. “I can tell you what I say everywhere: we have allies, and we have enemies, and we have friends — but we rely on only two things: on the Rock of Israel and on the Israel Defense Forces. These are the things we rely on, and in their name we fight and will continue to fight.”