In a significant escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it has targeted and destroyed Iranian missile crews ready to launch attacks on Israeli land.
According to sources, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets conducted nighttime operations, locating and destroying three surface-to-surface missile launchers that were preparing for an imminent attack on Israel. The IDF reported that these launchers were likely to be deployed in the several missile barrages that were launched throughout Israel on Friday.
Simultaneously, IDF drones located a group of Iranian soldiers, including an IRGC commander who was apparently in charge of at least 15 missile launchers.
As these men prepared to fire additional missiles, the IAF struck and killed the group, killing the IRGC leader. These targeted strikes were part of Israel’s larger efforts to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent further attacks on Israeli cities.
Meanwhile, the prolonged conflict had a direct impact on Israel’s civilian population and cultural legacy. An Iranian missile strike in downtown Haifa inflicted substantial damage to the famous Al Jarina Grand Mosque, which was built in 1775 and enlarged in 1901.
The missile’s blast shattered stained glass windows and damaged several of the mosque’s structures. Due to security cautions against public gatherings, only 15 worshippers attended Friday prayers instead of the customary 200.
Fortunately, Friday prayers had ended before the rocket landed, and the mosque was empty at the time. One guy suffered minor injuries outside the mosque. Khaled Dagash, a Wakf representative, stated that the mosque was being renovated and raised concern over whether government compensation would cover the entire cost of repairs.
The nearby Masjid Al-Saghir, which was erected in 1761, was also damaged, with windows blown out, but no additional obvious damages was reported as security personnel roped off the area. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the incident, pointing out that Iran’s actions imperil Israelis of all religions, including Muslims. Herzog emphasized Haifa’s multicultural aspect, portraying the city as a symbol of coexistence for Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Circassians, and Bahá’ís.
These developments occurred in the midst of Israel and Iran’s growing military exchanges, with both sides carrying out missile and drone strikes.
The IDF’s recent operations highlight Israel’s desire to disrupt Iran’s missile infrastructure while also defending its civilian population, while the damage to historic mosques in Haifa demonstrates the conflict’s far-reaching impact on cultural legacy and interfaith ties within Israel.
