Ne'ot Hovav

An Iranian missile struck a chemical plant in the Ne'ot Hovav industrial zone in southern Israel, causing fears of a hazardous materials leak. Israel's fire and rescue service worked to "prevent an explosion or additional leaks" and urged nearby residents to lock themselves in their homes, close windows and vents, and stay more than 800 metres from the site. One person was injured. Magen David Adom reported no further casualties.

Ne'ot Hovav is the Negev's main petrochemical hub, home to plants producing fertilisers, pesticides and other industrial chemicals. A direct hit on a facility of this kind can release toxic substances into the air, soil and water. It is not a hypothetical scenario: it is what emergency protocols tried to prevent today.

The war is a month old and the targets are diversifying in both directions. Israel bombs fuel depots, universities, nuclear sites and water facilities in Iran. Iran hits refineries, airports, hotels, data centres and now a chemical plant in Israel. Each strike on industrial infrastructure increases the risk of an unintended environmental or toxic incident. Ne'ot Hovav was contained. Next time it may not be. When missiles fall near hazardous materials, the war ceases to be a question of military targets and becomes roulette.