An Iranian missile struck the southern Israeli city of Arad on March 22, 2026, damaging residential buildings and injuring at least 75 people, according to Israeli media reports. The missile reportedly penetrated Israel’s air defense system, which failed to intercept it despite two attempts. Among the injured, ten were in serious condition, and a five-year-old child was critically hurt. The Israeli Air Force has launched an investigation into the defense system’s failure.

The country’s fire service confirmed that the missile hit the center of Arad, causing extensive damage. Hospitals in the area declared an emergency, and emergency services treated numerous casualties. Following the attack and a recent strike in Dimona that injured nearly 100 people, Israel’s Education Ministry suspended all in-person classes nationwide for Sunday and Monday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had ordered the strengthening of emergency and rescue forces operating on the ground, as authorities worked to assess the situation and respond to the escalating security threat.