ADDS DETAILS, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK AND LEDE
By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 25 people were injured in Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel early Monday, Israel’s Channel 12 reported, citing emergency officials.
The Israeli military said it detected missile launches from Iran, prompting the activation of defense systems and nationwide alerts.
"The Israeli military identified that missiles were recently launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are working to intercept the threat," it said on X.
Residents were ordered to enter protected areas upon receiving alerts and remain there until further notice, following the Home Front Command’s instructions.
A military spokesman confirmed that alerts were triggered in several areas following the detection of the missiles.
"At this time, the Air Force is working to intercept and attack wherever it is required to remove the threat," he said.
Israel’s Yediot Aharonot daily later reported that explosions were heard in northern and central Israel.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported direct hits on structures in the Gush Dan area with several emergency teams responding to the scene. It said that one person was seriously injured amid fears of damage to a number of buildings in central Israel, with fires at impact sites.
Israeli police confirmed that weapons parts fell in at least two communities in Tel Aviv District, causing property damage, with no immediate reports of casualties.
In the coastal district, similar incidents occurred, resulting in additional material and infrastructure damage.
Meanwhile, the public broadcaster KAN reported that the Israeli military detected hostile aircraft in the Milvot area and on the northern coast.
The latest escalation follows Israeli strikes Friday on Iranian nuclear and missile facilities that killed military commanders and scientists, prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missiles that caused Israeli casualties and property damage.