An Iranian ballistic missile struck the southern Israeli city of Dimona, damaging a building and causing multiple casualties near a sensitive nuclear facility, as Israel acknowledged a failure to intercept the incoming projectile.

According to The Times of Israel, the missile hit a structure directly, triggering a powerful explosion and widespread damage.

Israel’s military said air defence systems engaged the missile, but interceptors failed to bring it down. “The incident will be investigated,” the army said.

Emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that 47 people were taken to the hospital. Among them was a 12-year-old boy in serious condition after being struck by shrapnel.

A woman in her 30s was moderately injured, while at least 31 others sustained light injuries or were hurt while rushing to shelters. Another 14 were treated for acute anxiety. All casualties were shifted to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba.

Earlier reports cited around 20 injured in the strike, with initial information indicating that a building was destroyed upon impact.

Dimona is home to Israel’s key nuclear facility, established in the 1960s with French assistance, making the area strategically significant.

Iran, meanwhile, said it had launched fresh missile strikes under Operation True Promise 4, targeting multiple locations across central Israel. Iranian officials claimed up to 10 sites were hit and alleged the use of cluster warhead missiles.

Israeli authorities said attempts to intercept the missile using air defence systems, including Iron Dome, were unsuccessful, with reports suggesting the projectile evaded interceptors and struck its target.

Witnesses in Dimona reported a loud explosion as the missile struck, sending debris across the area. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and began emergency operations, while sirens sounded again in nearby areas, prompting residents to seek shelter.