As a result of a direct hit by a ballistic missile in Arad, at least 115 people were injured, among whom nine are in critical condition. Additionally, 19 people were hospitalized with moderate injuries, and 55 with minor wounds. According to journalists, the most serious injuries were sustained by those who were outside shelters at the time of the strike.
In Dimona, where a direct hit also occurred, at least 59 people were injured, including a 12-year-old boy with shrapnel wounds. His mother told the Kan broadcasting company that her son did not manage to reach the bomb shelter.
The Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva reported providing assistance to 175 injured individuals in Arad and Dimona. As of the morning of March 22, 36 people remained in the hospital, according to The Times of Israel.
Iranian state agencies report that the strikes were aimed at the Israeli nuclear research center, located about 10 kilometers from Dimona and 30 kilometers from Arad, in response to an attack on the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz that occurred the day before.
Recently, the U.S. struck the uranium facility in Natanz. In Iran, it is believed that this strike was carried out with the involvement of Israeli military forces; however, Israel denies any involvement in this attack.
The Shimon Peres Nuclear Research Center, located near Dimona (in the Negev desert in southern Israel), is crucial for Israel's nuclear weapons program, the existence of which is officially neither confirmed nor denied by Jerusalem.
