Iranian Missile Strike on Israel Leaves 9 Dead, 27 Injured

At least nine people have been killed and 27 injured after an Iranian ballistic missile struck the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, in the latest escalation between the two countries.

Emergency services said the missile hit a residential area, destroying a building and trapping several people under debris. Search and rescue teams worked through the night to locate survivors, while hospitals in central Israel received the wounded. Authorities said some of the injured are in critical condition.

The Israel Defense Forces said air-raid sirens were activated across central and southern Israel as multiple missiles were launched. Air defence systems were deployed to intercept incoming projectiles, though at least one missile struck the city directly.

Iran described the strike as a retaliatory measure following coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory. Tehran said the earlier operation targeted key military and strategic facilities and resulted in the deaths of senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The latest exchange marks a sharp widening of hostilities, with Iranian strikes also reported against US military assets in the Gulf region. International leaders have urged restraint amid concerns that the confrontation could expand further.

Israeli authorities said security operations remain ongoing and warned residents to remain alert as tensions continue to rise.