Ramat Gan Mayor Orders City Shelters Open Amid Iranian Missile Strikes Near Israel

Carmel Shama HaCohen, mayor of Ramat Gan, instructed the city's security and emergency department to open public shelters as a precautionary safety measure amid escalating regional tensions. This directive was issued on Thursday following recent missile launches by Iran targeting the Jordanian city of Aqaba, located near the Israeli border. Although no changes to public guidelines were announced, the shelter openings reflect heightened caution.

The Iranian missiles were reportedly fired from Tabriz in northwest Iran. The strikes near Aqaba caused explosions audible in the nearby Israeli city of Eilat, where residents reported seeing smoke plumes across the border. One missile reportedly fell near the mountains of Eilat. The Jordanian military confirmed that four missiles were intercepted over Aqaba, with two additional missiles landing in open areas.

The missile activity disrupted air traffic, delaying an Arkia Airlines flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport, as authorities ensured the runway was clear of debris. Ramon Airport hosts U.S. refueling aircraft, adding to the strategic sensitivity of the area.

Israeli defense officials are concerned that the proximity of these missile launches to Israeli territory increases the risk of spillover threats to southern Israel, including Eilat, the Arava region, Ramon Airport, and nearby IDF bases. The Home Front Command and the Edom Brigade have refreshed their protocols for missile fall scenarios. A security source noted that Iran aims to signal its capability to strike Israeli territory if Israel joins U.S. military actions, though the reason for targeting this specific area remains unclear.