Following the interception debris that fell yesterday (Monday) on Ben Gurion Street in Ramat Gan, near the Bnei Brak border, several commercial and residential buildings were significantly damaged, according to reports from the Ramat Gan municipality today. It was stated that, from an engineering perspective, there is no danger to the buildings’ stability, though there is damage to certain roof elements and cosmetic damage to glass. It is unclear when the affected buildings will resume operations, and the Property Tax Authority is still assessing the financial extent of the damage.
By Tal Nir Kastel, Nadlan Center
Yesterday, in a joint statement from the municipalities of Ramat Gan and Bnei Brak, it was announced that after an assessment by municipal representatives and security forces, it was decided that, for now, Ben Gurion Street, between the Tzelah/Yarkon intersection and Jabotinsky Street, will remain closed in both directions. No vehicular traffic will be allowed, and changes to public transportation routes will be implemented. Today, some buildings were also closed to pedestrian traffic due to concerns about falling glass.
The municipality’s Engineering Department reported that, from an engineering standpoint, there is no danger to the buildings’ stability. There is damage to certain roof elements that will be replaced and cosmetic damage to glass and other components. The affected complexes currently have no concrete plans for urban renewal. The buildings will resume operations once repairs are completed. Timelines have not yet been established, but operations are estimated to resume soon.
According to the latest reports, an initial investigation by the IDF indicates that the missile fired from Lebanon was partially intercepted at an altitude of 12 kilometers. Its warhead did not fully detonate in the air, and this part, containing residual explosives, caused the damage. Five people were injured in the incident, including a 54-year-old woman who was seriously injured, one person moderately injured, and three others lightly injured. Additionally, a fire broke out due to damage to an electrical transformer, leading to power outages in parts of the city. Glass fell from a damaged tower, and an unoccupied bus was destroyed.
As a result of the damage, several establishments, including a Roladin branch, the Allied Tower, and the Academic Center for Law and Business, were closed. The academic center conducted classes via Zoom today and announced that regular classes will resume tomorrow.
The Property Tax Authority stated: “Eight teams are in the affected area in Ramat Gan. There is damage to residential and commercial buildings. At this stage, we cannot estimate the damage costs.”
