Iran 'Dominates Skies of Occupied Territories,' Says IRGC Commander as Strikes Hit Arad, Dimona

Major General Seyed Majid Moosavi, head of Iran's IRGC Aerospace Force, said that Iran now dominates the skies of the occupied territories.

In a post on X, Moosavi said, "From this moment, I declare the missile dominance of Iran's sons over the skies of the occupied territories.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the developments indicate a shift in the conflict.

In a post on X, he said, "If the Israeli regime fails to intercept the missiles in the highly protected Dimona area, it is operationally a sign of entering a new phase of the battle: Israel's skies are defenseless.”

“As a result, it seems the time has come to implement the next pre-designed plans. Happy Nowruz to the Iranian nation,” he added.

Why Did Israeli Defences Fail to Intercept the Missile Strike in Arad?

According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli Air Force will investigate how its defences failed to intercept a ballistic missile that made a direct impact in the southern city of Arad.

Israeli media, citing the military, reported two failed interception attempts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday held talks with Arad Mayor Yair Maayan and conveyed his prayers for those injured.

"This is a very difficult evening in the campaign for our future. Just a short while ago, I spoke with the Mayor of Arad, Yair Maayan, and asked him to convey, on behalf of all Israeli citizens, our prayers for the peace of the injured,” Netanyahu said in a post on X.

“I have instructed the Director General of my office to provide all the necessary assistance together with all government ministries,” he added.

"I strengthen the emergency and rescue forces operating in the field right now, and I call on everyone to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command. We are determined to continue to strike our enemies on all fronts," Netanyahu said.

How Many Were Injured in the Arad and Dimona Missile Strikes?

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that over 100 people, including children, were injured in the attack.

In a post on X, the ministry said, "The Iranian regime devastated Arad and Dimona by deliberately striking civilians with missiles. Over 100 people were injured, including children. A blatant war crime. Pure terrorism."

Maayan said that about 150 families were evacuated from the neighbourhood that was hit.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the attack. In a post on X, he said, "Our hearts are now in Arad and Dimona. Praying together for the peace of the injured and their families."

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid said, "Our hearts are with the south this evening. A great disaster with dozens of wounded in Dimona and Arad. Strengthening the security and rescue forces who are working at this moment to save lives. And wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded. We are all with you."

Earlier in the day, an Iranian missile hit Dimona, a southern town hosting Israel's nuclear facility.

(With inputs from ANI)