A fire broke out at an industrial complex in southern Israel on Sunday, with the Israeli military saying the damage was likely caused by missile shrapnel following a fresh barrage launched from Iran.
According to the military, the impact occurred in the Neot Hovav industrial zone in the Negev desert, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. Authorities said the blaze may have been triggered either by a direct munition strike or debris from an intercepted missile.
Police confirmed that emergency teams were combing the area for additional fragments while working to eliminate any further risk to the public.
Later in the day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking an industrial facility in southern Israel with missiles.
Visuals from the site showed a heavily damaged warehouse engulfed in smoke as firefighters battled the flames. Fire brigade commander Eyal Caspi said the situation was under control and expected to be fully contained within hours.
Local authorities declared the incident hazardous, instructing workers in the area to remain in protected zones.
Residents nearby were also advised to stay indoors over fears of potential toxic leaks.
Soroka Hospital in Beersheba reported treating six people with minor injuries following the incident.
The Israeli military said at least seven missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israeli territory since midnight, with air defence systems activated to intercept the threats.
Located about 12 kilometres from Beersheba, the Neot Hovav industrial zone houses more than 40 factories focused on environmental technology and industrial infrastructure.
This marks the second reported strike on an industrial facility in Israel since hostilities escalated on February 28, when joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran. Tehran has since responded with repeated waves of missiles and drones aimed at Israel and other locations across the region.
