A missile struck a residential neighbourhood in Dimona on Saturday evening. The city is important because it hosts Israel’s main nuclear research centre. According to Magen David Adom, at least 37 people needed urgent medical care. Emergency teams treated more than three dozen people, including several with shrapnel wounds.
In a social media update, the agency said, “Update from southern Israel: Over 40 people treated by Magen David Adom after ballistic missile hits residential area.” Among the injured was a 10-year-old boy. He suffered shrapnel injuries and remained in moderate condition. Medical teams also helped people who were hurt while running to shelters and others who experienced anxiety due to the attack.
⚠️ Tonight, the Iranian regime unleashed a devastating hail of missiles on southern Israel, purposefully striking civilians in Arad and Dimona.
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) March 22, 2026
Over 100 people, including many children and elderly, inured.
This is a blatant war crime. Pure terrorism. Yet, world is silent! pic.twitter.com/EBLLrxuJ9t
Iran Says Strike Targets Nuclear Programme
Iran said it launched the strike to target Israel’s nuclear programme. This came after an earlier attack on its uranium enrichment site at Natanz nuclear facility. The strike marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.
No Damage Reported at Nuclear Facility
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed reports of the attack in Dimona. However, it said there was no sign of damage to the Negev nuclear research centre. The agency also stated that radiation levels in the region remained normal. It added that it is closely monitoring the situation. The Dimona nuclear facility, built in 1958, is widely believed to be linked to Israel’s nuclear capabilities. However, Israel has never officially confirmed or denied having nuclear weapons.
Attack Follows Reported Strike on Natanz
The Dimona strike happened just hours after Iranian media reported an attack on the Natanz enrichment complex earlier in the day. The facility, also known as the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan complex, is a key part of Iran’s nuclear programme. No radioactive leak was reported from the site. Officials said nearby residents were safe.
Israel’s military denied any involvement in the Natanz strike. Meanwhile, IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi said the agency is investigating the incident. Russian Foreign Ministry criticised the reported strike. It warned that such actions could create a “real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East.”
Missiles Also Strike Arad
At the same time, missiles also hit Arad, another city in southern Israel. The Israeli military said it failed to intercept the incoming missiles. This marked the first time Iranian missiles managed to bypass air defence systems in the Dimona area. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the successful strikes show a shift in the conflict. He pointed to the failure of Israel’s defence systems in the heavily protected Dimona region.
Netanyahu Calls It a Difficult Night
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted strongly after the attacks. He said it had been “a very difficult evening in the battle for our future.” The attacks on Dimona and Arad highlight growing risks in the region. Both sides continue to target sensitive locations, including nuclear-linked facilities. As tensions increase, fears of a wider and more dangerous conflict are also rising.