Iran retaliated against the February 28 Israeli-American strikes by firing missiles and drones toward Israel. Israeli air defenses intercepted many incoming weapons, but some projectiles and fragments struck populated areas. One woman was killed and more than 20 people were wounded in the first day's attacks, according to Israeli emergency services reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Salvos and impacts
The Jerusalem Post reported that Iran launched about 200 missiles in its first barrage, with 35 entering Israeli airspace and the rest intercepted before entry, according to its account. The same report documented a direct hit on a residential building and injuries. During later attacks, the paper reported that most missiles fired in one March 10 wave were intercepted, while impacts and shrapnel caused injuries and property damage. These episode-level figures cannot be generalized into an overall war interception rate.
The IDF said on March 15 that all Iranian UAVs launched toward Israel up to that date had been intercepted. It also described active operations to suppress launches and hunt missile launchers. These are military statements about performance and operations; independently reported impacts show that interception did not prevent all harm.
How layered defense works
Israel uses several systems matched to different threats. Rafael describes Iron Dome as a short-to-medium-range system for rockets and other aerial threats; David's Sling and Arrow provide additional layers for longer-range threats. Interception decisions depend on the predicted trajectory and defended area. Civilians are instructed to enter protected spaces when sirens sound, since no defensive system guarantees that every incoming weapon will be stopped.
See the strikes on Iran's missile program and the effect on regional shipping.
The Jerusalem Post's first-day account reports launch and casualty figures. Its March 10 report describes subsequent interceptions and impacts. The IDF's March 15 briefing gives its account of UAV interception and launcher suppression. Rafael explains Iron Dome's role and selective engagement, and its air-defense layers.