An Iranian ballistic missile made a direct hit on a residential area in Beersheba, southern Israel, injuring 19 people amid a series of barrages launched that day.

The strike occurred on March 2, 2026, as part of Iran's retaliatory attacks following initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began on February 28. Air raid sirens sounded across the country, prompting millions of Israelis to seek shelter. Most incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel's multi-layered air defense systems, including Iron Dome, but several penetrated defenses.

Emergency services reported one 35-year-old man in moderate condition and 18 others with light injuries, all transported to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. No fatalities were reported from this specific impact, though scans continued for possible additional casualties beneath rubble. The missile damaged several surrounding apartment buildings, creating a large crater estimated at six to seven feet deep.

CCTV footage captured the moment of impact, showing the missile striking the neighborhood and sending debris flying. Magen David Adom paramedics provided on-site treatment before evacuating the wounded.

This incident marked one of the early direct hits in the escalating conflict, which has seen Iran launch multiple waves of ballistic missiles, including Kheibar models, toward Israeli population centers. By that date, Iranian attacks had killed at least 11 Israelis overall.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking over 400 targets in western Iran by early March, including ballistic missile launchers, in response to the barrages. Iran claimed its strikes targeted military sites, but civilian areas have been affected.

As of March 15, the conflict continues with intermittent missile and drone exchanges. Recent reports indicate additional strikes overnight, including video footage of smoke rising from Beersheba, though no new casualties have been confirmed from those events. Israeli officials have urged civilians to remain vigilant near shelters.

The war has drawn international concern, with impacts on regional shipping and calls for de-escalation. Preliminary figures report hundreds dead in Iran and dozens injured in Israel.