Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, March 29, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Officials checking possibility of hazardous materials leak at factory hit by Iranian missile; public told to stay away
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
A fire caused by an Iranian missile hit in the Neot Hovav industrial zone, near Beersheba, March 26, 2026. (Screenshot: X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Fire and rescue teams are working to seal and contain damaged chemical storage units at a factory at the Neot Hovav industrial zone in southern Israel following an Iranian missile strike and reports of a hazardous materials leak, which the deputy head of the fire service’s Southern District, Itzik Levy, says is a pesticide.
No casualties have been reported and staff from the facility and nearby plants have been evacuated.
Members of the public are asked not to approach the area, and residents of nearby areas are told to stay indoors, close windows and heed the orders of security and rescue forces until officials can gauge the situation.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here