Arad Missile Attack: 1 Dead, 29 Injured in Strike

Ballistic missile hits building where Gur Hasdim live in Arad

A major emergency is unfolding in southern Israel tonight following a direct hit by a Khorramshahr-4 missile carrying a 1.5-ton warhead on a residential area where Gur Hasidim live in Arad.

At least nine buildings have sustained direct or significant structural damage, with reports indicating that some buildings are now on fire as a result of the barrage.

Authorities have declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) as rescue teams struggle to reach those trapped under debris.

New reports indicate that some 100 people were injured, including 8 in critical condition.

Multiple helicopters have been scrambled to the scene to facilitate the rapid evacuation of the critically wounded to regional trauma centers.

Dozens of ambulances are currently en route from Jerusalem to Arad to provide reinforcements.

Unit 669 is also en route, as well as medical personnel, and officers from Home Front Command who have come to help search for people who may be trapped.

The MDA Director General explained 'This is an event of massive proportions. There are people who are unaccounted for that we haven't reached yet, and we are concerned.'

Journalist Suleiman Maswadeh reports that while medical teams have stabilized 27 casualties, including four in serious condition, a high number of residents remain missing following the strike. Search and rescue operations are intensifying to locate those still unaccounted for.

Early assessments from the scene suggest a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. Authorities fear the final death toll will surpass the number of casualties recorded in the devastating strike on Bet Shemesh earlier in the war:

First responders describe the scene in Arad as significantly more complex and severe than the tragedy witnessed in Bet Shemesh at the start of the conflict.
New video documentation from the moment of impact reveals a massive fireball resulting from the direct hit on residential structures.

Soroka University Medical Center has officially declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) in response to the devastating missile strike in Arad. Hospital staff across all departments and sectors have been called in and are fully prepared to receive the influx of wounded.

Home damaged when Iranian missile hits residential building in Arad

Police Commissioner Danny Levi and Itamar Ben Gvir are on their way to the scene of the tragedy.

Iranian ballsitic missile hits buildings in Arad

A ZAKA truck is also on the way to the scene.

Hallel Bitton Rosen Reports Failed Interceptions in Dimona and Arad

Military correspondent Hallel Bitton Rosen reports a critical failure in the aerial defense operations during tonight’s barrage.

Interceptors were launched in both Dimona and Arad, but failed to neutralize the incoming threats. As a result of the failed interceptions, two direct hits from ballistic missiles have been confirmed in residential areas. The missiles involved are reported to be carrying heavy warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms, contributing to the catastrophic level of destruction seen on the ground.

On-the-Scene: MDA Senior Paramedic and Mayor of Arad Provide Updates

MDA Senior Medic Riad Abu Ajaj said, "When we arrived, we witnessed a strike zone with extensive damage to buildings and widespread destruction; there was a massive sense of chaos at the site. Alongside security forces, we conducted sweeps to locate additional casualties. We provided medical treatment to a large number of victims, including children. We are currently evacuating them to the hospital and continuing our search of the area."

The Mayor of Arad stated, "The damage is primarily to the building facades caused by the blast wave. There are shelters in every building; anyone who evacuated to a shelter or moved to a rear room was not harmed."

Many ambulances on scene Arad, March 21, 2026

Helicopter transfers wounded, as seen from Route 4

Emergency personnel search for people trapped after missile hits Arad

The IDF has disclosed that the missile which struck Arad contained 450 kg (nearly half a ton) of explosives.

Eli Hirschman, reporting for Channel 12, added that the strike occurred in an area with a large concentration of Ger Hasidic residents.

Residents report that this specific neighborhood relatively lacks Mamadim (apartment-level reinforced rooms). Instead, the buildings rely on communal underground shelters.

Hirschman also noted that the Gerrer Rebbe (the leader of the Hasidic movement) is known to be extremely strict regarding safety and security directives, a policy that has been maintained throughout the current war.

Due to a shortage of rescue forces in Arad, United Hatzalah sent some of its members to assist.

ZAKA en site to assist with the deceased

MDA UPDATE: Magen David Adom (MDA) has confirmed that its emergency teams, including paramedics and EMTs, are currently treating and evacuating 64 casualties following a direct ballistic missile strike in the city of Arad.

The casualty toll includes 7 individuals in serious condition, 15 in moderate condition, and 42 who sustained light injuries.

Southern District Police Commander, Major General Chaim Bublil confirmed that at least three buildings have sustained significant damage, noting that some structures are currently at risk of collapse. He clarified that the damage was primarily caused by a massive blast wave (shockwave) resulting from a hit in the central courtyard or open area between the buildings. "It is a miracle it didn't strike a building directly," Bublil stated, while emphasizing that hundreds of residents were present in the immediate vicinity at the time of the explosion. Bublil confirmed that security forces have already evacuated children in serious condition from the wreckage,

Nati Kalish (Radio Kol Chai) said that there are many seriously wounded and dead, but he urged caution regarding misinformation. He emphasized that the casualty figures currently circulating irresponsibly on social media groups are unverified.