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Yisrael Aloni, 73, lost his life early Shabbos morning when a missile launched from Iran struck Rishon Lezion. He was one of two civilians killed in the attack.

Although sirens were heard prior to the impact, the Home Front Command did not issue an alert in advance, leaving residents with little time to take shelter. Aloni, who was not in a fortified space, was outside a protected zone when the missile landed and was killed instantly.

Eran Aloni, his son, described the moments leading up to the tragedy: “My father didn’t have a reinforced room. He went into the basement and was hit by a massive blast. He told us yesterday that he had no access to the nearby shelter and was forced to stay at home.” Yisrael Aloni is survived by his three children and eleven grandchildren.

Also killed in Rishon Lezion was 74-year-old Yevgenia Blinder, a longtime resident of the city. Her death brought further sorrow to a morning already marked by grief.

In another part of central Israel, 74-year-old Eti Cohen Angel was killed in Ramat Gan during the same missile onslaught. She was a mother of four daughters. Her daughter, Nurit Cohen-Elstein, shared a heartfelt remembrance: “a smiling and beautiful woman, a good soul.”

“Her partner was also injured yesterday and is currently sedated and on a ventilator at Tel Hashomer,” she added. “It’s very difficult.”

Alongside the tragic deaths, more than 60 people were injured in the attack. Additionally, the IDF confirmed that seven soldiers sustained minor injuries from the missile strike that hit central Israel.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Early Sunday morning, air raid sirens echoed across multiple locations throughout Israel as Iranian missiles and drones were detected heading toward Israeli territory. In a separate incident, Israel’s air defenses successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.

Tragedy struck in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv, where three people, including a 10-year-old child, were killed on the spot following a missile strike.

The impact in Bat Yam left 103 people injured. Among them, four were listed in serious condition, six sustained moderate wounds, and 89 were treated for minor injuries. In Rehovot, another 37 individuals were injured—two seriously, 12 moderately, and 23 with lighter injuries. Medical crews and emergency responders rushed to the scenes, working tirelessly to locate and rescue anyone trapped beneath the rubble.

Simultaneously, Israeli air defense forces were engaged in intercepting incoming aerial threats in the North, as hostile aircraft approached the region.

While the country came under fire, the IDF reported that the Israeli Air Force had just concluded a significant wave of precision strikes in Tehran. The operation targeted critical sites tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, including the Iranian Ministry of Defense, the command center of the SPND nuclear program, and other key facilities connected to nuclear development and storage of nuclear archives. “The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which advanced the Iranian regime’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive.”

Earlier in the evening, as previously reported here on Matzav.com, devastation hit the town of Tamra in northern Israel, where a missile destroyed a residential building, killing four women—a mother, her two daughters, and another family member.

{Matzav.com Israel}

An incredible photo from Friday night shows an Israeli Arrow 3 interceptor carrying out an exoatmospheric hit in space, destroying an Iranian ballistic missiles around 60-65 miles above earth.

An Iranian missile barrage seen raining down on Haifa this evening. Most of the missiles were shot down by interceptors, but widespread damage – including injuries and deaths – are being reported tonight as rescues continue.

Footage showing search-and-rescue operations at the site of a ballistic missile impact on a high-rise apartment building in Bat Yam, Central Israel on Motzei Shabbos.

One Minnesota lawmaker and her husband are dead and a senator and his wife are injured as authorities search for the shooter in what officials are calling “targeted” attacks on political figures and their families. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 55, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and had been serving her 11th term as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. She acted as minority leader from 2017 to 2019, and as speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025. She previously worked for senators Al Gore and John Kerry before enrolling in law school and eventually starting her own practice. Hortman and husband Mark, who was also killed in the attack, are survived by two adult children. Hortman made headlines earlier this week for being the only House Democrat voting to repeal taxpayer-funded healthcare coverage for adult illegal immigrants. Hortman reportedly voted against the bill to move the budget through the state’s split legislature. Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and wife Yvette were also shot Saturday but are expected to survive. Hoffman was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012 and is serving his fourth term as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. Prior to taking office, Hoffman served as vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board. He serves as the chair of the Human Services Committee and holds a seat on the Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee, along with the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. Hoffman and his wife have one child. Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is being sought for his alleged connection with the attack, according to authorities. During a press conference, officials shared a photo of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat at a Minneapolis business shortly after the shootings on Saturday morning. An additional photo released by authorities shows the masked suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight. Boelter is reportedly the CEO of Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to his LinkedIn page. He is also listed as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm his wife reportedly filed to create, according to the company’s website.

Footage taken today shows senior Iranian military officials and/or their families fleeing the country as the Iranian regime teeters amid Israel’s pounding airstrikes

Four people, including a mother and her two daughters, aged 13 and 20, lost their lives tonight in Tamra, a city in northern Israel, after Iran launched a wave of missiles targeting the country. The fourth person killed was also a relative of the family.

The attack set off warning sirens throughout the North, including in Haifa and surrounding Krayot neighborhoods. Locals reported loud booms as missiles landed in the area, shaking homes and causing widespread alarm.

Tafsar Yair Elkayam, Commander of the Fire and Rescue Services for the Northern District, described the scene: “This is a scene with extensive destruction of a four-story building that sustained a direct hit, causing the top floor to partially collapse. Firefighting teams rescued four trapped individuals from the building and transferred them to medical personnel. Even at this stage, firefighters alongside Home Front Command forces are continuing to search the site for additional people who may be trapped.”

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom provided care to six individuals suffering from emotional trauma, while another seven people with minor physical injuries were taken to nearby Rambam and Bnei Zion medical centers for treatment.

According to the Sabrine news agency, Iran fired approximately 100 missiles at northern Israel during the overnight assault. A number of the missiles reportedly fell in Syria rather than reaching Israeli targets.

The IDF released a statement confirming, “While the IDF is operating to intercept missiles launched from Iran, the IAF is currently striking military targets in Tehran.” Around the same time, the Home Front Command issued urgent instructions advising all citizens to stay close to protected shelters, minimize outdoor movement, and refrain from gathering in public spaces.

In the hours leading up to the strike, Iranian state media had broadcast threats of “heavy and destructive” attacks on Israel, warning that retaliation was imminent.

{Matzav.com Israel}

As Klal Yisroel continues to face grave danger amid the ongoing war with Iran, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Slabodka in Bnei Brak, has issued a directive urging increased tefillah and supplication.

Speaking from Chicago, where he is currently visiting and will spend Shabbos, Rav Moshe Hillel called for the recitation of Tehillim following every tefillah, even on Shabbos.

“It’s very important to say Tehillim after every tefillah, on Shabbos as well,” Rav Moshe Hillel stated.

This guidance from the rosh yeshiva comes following a kol korei released this afternoon by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America, which calls upon the tzibbur to respond with intensified teshuvah and tefillah, specifically asking every kehillah to add three chapters of Tehillim—Perek 80, 121, and 20—at the conclusion of each tefillah, to be continued until the danger has passed.

{Matzav.com}

Iran initiated a third round of missile attacks against Israel on Friday night, according to sources. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it had identified a new wave of ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory toward Israeli cities.

Air raid sirens rang out across wide regions of the country as Israel’s missile defense systems scrambled to intercept the incoming threats. Authorities instructed civilians to remain inside bomb shelters until further notice.

The United States played a direct role in helping Israel defend itself during the assault. Axios, citing a senior U.S. official, reported that American forces were assisting in the interception efforts. According to Army Radio, U.S. THAAD anti-ballistic missile batteries successfully took down several incoming projectiles, citing an Israeli source.

IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said that fewer than 100 missiles were fired from Iran in each of the Friday night salvos. He noted that most were either destroyed in the air by the Israeli Air Force or failed to reach their targets. However, several buildings sustained damage, either from direct missile impact or from debris caused by interceptors.

Following the wave of missile fire, sirens continued to blare throughout Israel, and the IDF issued early warnings urging residents to take cover as Iranian missiles approached.

Emergency medical teams from Magen David Adom treated 21 individuals. Among them, one person suffered serious injuries, two were moderately hurt, and 18 others experienced minor injuries or anxiety-related symptoms.

In response to the Iranian attack, the IDF announced it had carried out a broad counterstrike, hitting dozens of Iranian military sites. These included the Tabriz and Hamadan air bases, missile launchers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and key elements of Iran’s air defense infrastructure.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz issued a strong warning on Friday following Iran’s large-scale launch of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli cities. He declared that the attack had violated fundamental boundaries and emphasized that Israel would act to protect its people while making sure that Iran’s leadership faces severe consequences.

“Iran crossed red lines when it dared to fire missiles at civilian population centers in Israel,” he said in a statement. “We will continue to defend Israel’s citizens and ensure that the ayatollah regime pays a very heavy price for its heinous actions.”

Katz’s comments followed Iran’s launch of around 150 ballistic missiles in response to a rare Israeli military action carried out on Iranian soil. Israeli officials described that initial strike as a landmark step in a wider military strategy. The Iranian missiles struck several areas in and around Tel Aviv, resulting in dozens of injuries. Emergency responders, including Magen David Adom, reported treating over 55 wounded.

Speaking directly to the people of Iran, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu described the unfolding conflict as “one of the greatest military operations in history.” He criticized the Iranian regime for endangering Israel while continuing to subjugate its own citizens.

“Israel’s fight is not with you, the brave people of Iran, whom we respect and admire,” Netanyahu said. “Our fight is with our common enemy—a murderous regime that both oppresses you and impoverishes you. Brave people of Iran, your light will defeat the darkness. I’m with you, the people of Israel are with you.”

Meanwhile, in Tehran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei placed blame on Israel for sparking the hostilities. “The Zionist regime will not escape unscathed from the consequences of its crimes,” he said, adding that Iran’s retaliation “will not be half-measured.”

{Matzav.com}

IDF: A short while ago, sirens regarding a hostile aircraft (a drone) infiltration were sounded in Eilat. The IDF is investigating the incident.

NOW: Iran continues to fire anti-aircraft guns into the sky over the capital of Tehran, hoping to strike a IDF stealth bomber.

President Trump signaled on Friday that he still sees potential for securing a new nuclear agreement with Iran, despite Israel’s massive military strike on Iranian nuclear and defense infrastructure just hours prior.

“Maybe now they will negotiate seriously,” Trump said in a short interview with Axios, which came shortly after a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and ahead of a full day of meetings with his national security staff.

“They should have made a deal,” Trump continued. “I couldn’t get them to a deal in 60 days. They were close, they should have done it. Maybe now it will happen.”

Israel’s surprise operation came just before the anticipated sixth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the U.S., represented by special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian representatives.

“Oftentimes,” a source close to the White House told The NY Post about the administration’s stance, “pain is the best form of persuasion.”

When asked by Axios about how the United States might proceed, Netanyahu responded, “What are they going to do now? I leave it to President Trump. He made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon.”

“I leave the US position to the US,” Netanyahu repeated.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump, 78, expressed continued optimism that Iran might come back to the table, even in the wake of the severe blow dealt by Israel.

“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being more brutal, come to an end,” Trump posted early Friday.

“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian empire.”

In a separate phone interview with The Post on Friday morning, Trump said he had anticipated this timing for Israel’s move.

“I always knew the date,” he said. “I gave them 60 days and they didn’t meet it. Today’s [day] 61, you know. Today’s day 61.”

Despite mounting international pressure, Iran has not indicated any willingness to accept a deal limiting its nuclear ambitions, even under the guise of civilian energy development.

Later Friday, Iran retaliated with a barrage of over 150 ballistic missiles aimed at Israel, wounding at least 15 people and causing significant damage in central Tel Aviv.

“The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, committed a reckless act. By God’s grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin,” Ayatollah Khomeini declared in a broadcast speech.

“The Iranian nation won’t permit the blood of its valued martyrs to go unavenged, nor will it ignore the violation of its airspace,” he continued.

In an address aimed directly at the Iranian population, Netanyahu outlined the extent of Israel’s assault and warned of further action.

“In the past 24 hours, we’ve taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility, and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal. More is on the way.

“The regime doesn’t know what hit them,” Netanyahu added. “They don’t know what will hit them.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH: Fox News reporter Trey Yingst live from Tel Aviv where Iranian ballistic missiles struck a short while ago.

NOW: Non-stop firing of air defenses into the sky over Tehran as the IDF carries out airstikes.

IDF STRIKING TEHRAN: Air-defenses firing into the sky once again over the Iranian capital of Tehran as IDF warplanes carry out a new wave of airstrikes.

The IDF releases footage showing the interception of an Iranian drone by an Israeli Air Force helicopter earlier today.

Just hours after the outbreak of war with Iran, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, renowned posek, rov of Ramat Elchonon, and member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah, delivered an emotional and powerful message of chizuk following neitz davening at the Central Beis Medrash in Ramat Elchonon.

In light of the grave situation, Rav Zilberstein instructed the kehillah to recite Tehillim and to say Avinu Malkeinu. Following davening, he ascended the bimah and addressed the tzibbur with passionate words.

“We are in a situation that requires immense rachamei Shamayim, like in the days of Haman harasha. Today’s Amalek has declared that he wants to wipe out the Jewish people. He says so openly,” Rav Zilberstein warned. “What must we do? The Torah tells us clearly in this week’s parsha, Behaaloscha: ‘When you go to war in your land against an enemy that oppresses you, you shall blow the trumpets and you will be remembered before Hashem your G-d and be saved from your enemies.’”

Rav Zilberstein then declared: “This is our weapon. And I want to say—the greatest weapon we have is Shabbos. Hashem said, ‘It is a sign between Me and you forever.’ But there is another incredibly important point: when Haman saw Mordechai learning with the children, he said, ‘I am lost.’ He knew that if the children are learning, he has no chance.”

“The children,” he continued, “are our greatest strength. They are pure, without sin. And when we sit and learn with them—especially on Shabbos—we wield a mighty weapon. Just as in the days of Haman, when he saw the children learning and declared, ‘I am lost,’ so too in our day, the enemy will see this and say the same.”

He urged the public to relay this message to their children: “Tell them, ‘When Haman saw children learning Torah, he said, I am lost. So too today.’”

Rav Zilberstein referenced this week’s haftorah (Zechariah 2:14–16), where the novi proclaims: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold I come and will dwell in your midst… And many nations will join themselves to Hashem on that day and shall be My people… and Hashem shall inherit Yehuda as His portion in the Holy Land and shall again choose Yerushalayim.” He explained that this is a promise of redemption and a divine warning to the nations that harm Israel. Hashem will repay them.

“The children are our tremendous strength! Thank G-d, in our communities, there is no hatred or jealousy. But when the war was announced at 3 a.m., we understood: now is the time to take up our greatest weapon—Shabbos. It is a sacred covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisroel. We must safeguard it carefully and avoid idle talk.”

He emphasized: “The children are our strongest weapon. Thank G-d, our batei midrash are full of tinokos shel beis rabban, and we must strengthen our observance of Shabbos even more. It is a sign between Hashem and His people. No idle talk—just Torah learning, especially with the children.”

Rav Zilberstein concluded with hope: “With Hashem’s help, we will witness His salvation in the blink of an eye. ‘They have bowed and fallen, but we have risen and stand upright. Hashem, deliver us. May the King answer us on the day we call.’ Let us now recite several kapitlach Tehillim together. We are in a time of tzarah…”

{Matzav.com}