The compound, often likened to the U.S. Pentagon, sustained significant damage despite Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems.
In a major escalation of hostilities, Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israel’s Kirya military complex in Tel Aviv late last night, dealing a direct blow to the nerve center of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The compound, often likened to the U.S. Pentagon, sustained significant damage despite Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems.
The assault involved approximately 150 long-range missiles, part of Iran’s retaliation for alleged Israeli operations targeting its nuclear infrastructure and top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.
“A block wiped out,” one eyewitness said, as rescue teams deployed thermal imaging to search for survivors amid the rubble. Foreign journalists on the ground were forced to take cover in residential buildings as blasts rocked the city.
Though systems like Iron Dome, Arrow, and U.S.-deployed THAAD were active, several missiles evaded interception, indicating a new level of threat. Observers described the weapons as “battlefield-grade” munitions, far exceeding typical rocket attacks from non-state actors.
Israeli officials warned that further attacks are anticipated. “This marks the beginning of what could become a prolonged and unpredictable conflict,” a security analyst stated. “We are likely witnessing the start of something much larger.”