Faster Iranian missiles have given Israel less time to react, admits official

Israel's Iron Dome managed to intercept only 65 percent of the missiles fired by Iran over the past 24 hours, a significant drop from nearly 90 percent the previous day.

"Iran still has very advanced missiles, and they are making use of them," NBC News reported, quoting a former senior Israeli intelligence official who continues to receive regular government briefings.

The increased speed of Iran’s missiles in the latest barrage has shortened Israel’s reaction window.

"Until yesterday, we got an early warning of about 10 to 11 minutes before the missiles actually fell, but this morning, it was six or seven minutes," they noted.

"More importantly, the Iranians do have a navigation system for the final phase of the attack that helps them to be very precise and to attack exactly the targets that they wish, like the hospital today in Beer Sheba."

Iran, however, denies deliberately targeting the hospital, stating the damage was caused by the shockwave from a nearby strike on a military installation.