The Israeli Foreign Ministry sharply condemned the Saturday (local time) evening strikes, stating on X, "The Iranian regime devastated Arad and Dimona by deliberately striking civilians with missiles. Over 100 people were injured, including children. A blatant war crime. Pure terrorism"

Hospitals in the region reported treating dozens of civilians for shrapnel wounds, broken bones and shock, with some in serious condition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the evening as "a difficult moment in the battle for the future" and vowed that Israel would respond to the attacks in a manner that ensures its security

The Iranian attacks reportedly came after Tehran's response to a strike on its Natanz nuclear facility earlier in the day, which Iran blamed on a joint US-Israeli operation -- an allegation Israel has denied

Iranian military spokespeople claimed their missiles were aimed at strategic targets but did not dispute that towns were hit