As dawn broke on Saturday, the tranquil suburb of Rishon LeZion was harshly awakened by the terrifying sound of incoming missile alerts. Residents, including Ifat Benhaim and her family, found themselves rushing to their basement for safety as a loud explosion shook their home. "We thought all the house fell on us," she recounted, emerging to a scene of shattered glass and debris.
The missile, launched in a series of retaliatory strikes from Iran, hit shortly after 05:00 local time, resulting in widespread destruction. At least two individuals lost their lives, including 73-year-old Israel Aloni, and approximately 19 others were injured. The missile's impact left many homes with caved roofs while over 30 cars suffered extensive damage.
Local authorities responded quickly, employing sniffer dogs in hopes of locating any unexploded ordnance. Amid the chaos, families like Ifat’s, who have resided in their homes for nearly three decades, now face an uncertain future as they pack belongings and seek refuge elsewhere.
Sally Ilan, another resident, mourned the loss of her childhood home, stating, "Forty years of memories are gone... It's heavy on the heart." The destruction, although devastating, pales in comparison to the reports emerging from Iran, where Israeli attacks have reportedly killed many more, with claims of around 800 injuries.
The escalating conflict stems from Israel's preemptive military operation aimed at targeting Iranian military leaders and vital infrastructure. In this increasingly volatile environment, a haunting question etched into the dust of a local vehicle looms: "Until when?" As the conflict continues, families in Rishon LeZion find themselves grappling with both grief and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
