Tel Aviv [Israel], June 20 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a ballistic missile launched by Iran struck the Colel Chabad Daycare Center in Beersheba, southern Israel, on Friday. Miraculously, no injuries were reported as the strike occurred outside the facility’s regular operating hours, according to The Times of Israel.
In a post on X, the IDF shared footage from the attack and stated, “This is footage from the moment an Iranian ballistic missile hit a children’s center in southern Israel. When the world asks why we’re fighting Iran, this is your answer.”
The Colel Chabad organization confirmed the incident, expressing relief that no children or staff were present during the strike. However, it highlighted the emotional toll on the community: “The destruction of classrooms and play areas has deeply impacted dozens of local families who rely on the center for stability, safety, and childcare.”
Footage from the scene suggests that a ballistic missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead may have been used. Multiple small-scale impact points throughout Beersheba indicate that the missile carried and dispersed several submunitions.
In response to the ongoing situation, the IDF Home Front Command announced no changes to existing public safety guidelines. Gatherings in most parts of the country remain limited to 30 people, provided a shelter is accessible. On border areas, outdoor gatherings of up to 50 and indoor gatherings of up to 100 are permitted. Schools remain closed, while workplaces may operate under current safety conditions. The guidelines will be re-evaluated on Saturday night.
Earlier, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir addressed the nation in a video message, warning citizens to brace for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran.
“Iran has been building for years a clear plan to destroy the State of Israel,” Zamir said. “In recent months, this plan reached the point of no return, where the capabilities became operational. We must act decisively to eliminate this threat.”
The attack on the children’s center marks another escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, as tensions continue to rise following a series of retaliatory airstrikes and missile exchanges.