Iranian Missile Destroys Chemical Plant in Negev; Evacuation Calls Issued for Israelis

Israeli radio reported that an Iranian missile struck a chemical plant near Beersheba. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation stated that the targeted plant in Beersheba contained hazardous materials.

In a related development, a direct hit was recorded at a factory in Neot Hovav, near Beersheba, in the latest Iranian attack on the Negev region. Plumes of smoke rose after a missile or missile fragments landed at the Neot Hovav industrial complex near Beersheba.

Israeli ambulance services reported at least one injury as a result of the Iranian attack on the plant.

Channel 14 reported concerns about a potential leak of hazardous materials at the targeted plant in the Negev. The channel quoted the fire and rescue commissioner at the affected plant as saying, “Due to the nature of the incident and the presence of hazardous materials, the public is asked to stay away from the area. Residents in the area should remain indoors, close windows and vents, and follow the instructions of security and rescue forces on the ground until the incident is fully under control.”

Spokespeople for the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority said in a statement that firefighting teams are currently working to contain a fire that broke out in the complex as a result of the collision and to prevent it from spreading to neighboring factories. Two specialized Leviathan water tankers and an Ashed water tanker have also been dispatched to the site to provide additional water supplies and bolster operational efforts on the ground. Firefighters are working in direct coordination with fire stations and are carrying out intensive cooling operations on tanks located near the factory to prevent further explosions or leaks.