Iranian ballistic missiles kill three in central Israel

Netanyahu conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the resilience of local residents and the Israeli public at large.

By JNS

Three Israeli civilians were killed in Iranian ballistic missile attacks on central Israel between Friday and early Saturday morning.

In Rishon Letzion, two people died: Yisrael Aloni, 73, and Yevgenia Blinder. The attack also wounded 21 others, four of them seriously, according to the Magen David Adom emergency medical service.

On Friday, Etti (Eti) Cohen Engel, 74, from Ramat Gan, died from injuries sustained in a missile strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday held urgent consultations with the mayors of Rishon Letzion, Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan following the Iranian missile barrages.

Expressing deep sorrow over the fatalities, Netanyahu conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the resilience of residents and the Israeli public at large.

The prime minister assured municipal leaders that the government would provide all necessary assistance for recovery and the repair of damage caused by the attacks, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting affected communities in the wake of escalating Iranian aggression.

The Islamic Republic fired about 100 missiles at Israel at about 9 p.m. on Friday. A few evaded Israel’s defense systems and struck two areas in central Israel.

About 40 people were wounded, most with minor injuries, according to the Magen David Adom emergency service.

After the third wave of Iranian missile strikes on Israel, at about 1 a.m. local time, Magen David Adom “received numerous reports of buildings that were hit in the center of Israel.”

Before the third wave, at least two buildings were hit and there was also damage to surrounding buildings.

Earlier on Friday, Magen David Adom announced a blood drive.