An Israeli woman was wounded in an Iranian missile attack on central Israel when shrapnel hit the town of Rishon LeZion on Monday. According to the Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA), the approximately 30-year-old woman suffered minor injuries. She was initially treated on-site and then taken to the Shamir Medical Center near Be’er Ya’akov. Her condition is described as stable.
The missile barrage triggered alerts across large parts of the country. Sirens sounded in numerous cities in central Israel as residents sought shelter in protected spaces. Shortly afterward, emergency services reported several impact sites in the region around Tel Aviv.
According to Israeli media reports, damage occurred to residential buildings and infrastructure in several locations, including Rishon LeZion, Shoham, Lod, and Ness Ziona. Firefighters, police, and rescue teams were dispatched to various sites after debris from intercepted missiles struck buildings and roads. In some cases, emergency personnel searched damaged houses to ensure no additional injured people were trapped under the rubble.
Damage to a residential building in Shoham: An electricity company employee inspects the building after debris from an Iranian missile struck central Israel. March 16, 2026. Photo: Abir Sultan/EPA.
Reports suggest that missiles with cluster munition warheads may have been used in the attack. Such warheads break apart at high altitude and release numerous smaller explosive submunitions, which can distribute impacts over a wider area.
Further rocket alerts in the north and near Jerusalem
Meanwhile, additional alerts occurred in other parts of Israel throughout the day. According to Israeli media reports, rocket warnings were triggered in the Jerusalem area as well as in the north of the country, including the Haifa region and Galilee. Israel’s air defense systems were active while residents once again sought shelter. No further reports of injuries were initially available, but emergency forces were checking possible impact sites.
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