The number of Israelis injured in retaliatory strikes from Iran has soared to 63, including two in critical condition, the Israeli Channel 12 reported on early on Saturday.
Some 300 Israelis in Tel Aviv were evacuated after their homes were damaged, while 100 Israelis were evacuated in the municipality of Ramat Gan, according to Channel 12.
Iranian rockets completely destroyed nine buildings and caused damage to hundreds of apartments and vehicles in Ramat Gan, according to the daily Haaretz.
The retaliatory attack marked one of the most significant challenges yet for Israel's air-defence network, which has been intercepting projectiles from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran since the Gaza genocide began on October 7, 2023.
A US official reports that US air defence systems aided in intercepting Iranian missiles, despite Israel's claims of intercepting most projectiles.
Yet Iran has managed to cause casualties, property damage and panic in Israel with its ongoing retaliatory strikes.
Here is a closer look at Israel's main air-defence components:
Arrow
Developed with US support, Arrow is designed to intercept long-range missiles — including the types of ballistic missiles Iran launched on Friday.
It has also been used in the current war to intercept long-range missiles fired by Houthi forces in Yemen.
David's Sling
Also jointly developed with the US, David's Sling targets medium-range missiles, such as those held by Hezbollah in Lebanon. It has been deployed repeatedly throughout the war.
Iron Dome
Developed by Israel with US backing, Iron Dome is designed to shoot down short-range rockets. It has intercepted thousands since entering service early last decade, including thousands more during the genocide in Gaza and war with Hezbollah.
Israel claims it has a success rate of more than 90 percent.
Iron Beam
Israel is developing a new laser-based system known as Iron Beam.
Officials say it could significantly reduce costs compared to existing systems. A single Iron Dome interception costs about $50,000, while David's Sling and Arrow intercepts can exceed $2 million each.
By contrast, Iron Beam is expected to operate at a few dollars per shot. However, it is not yet operational.
