Missile Fragment Ignites ADAMA (Syngenta) Plant at Neot Hovav — Pesticide Fire, Evacuation
RESOLVED: ADAMA/Syngenta plant hit by missile fragment — fire + initial hazmat scare; no public risk confirmed
An Iranian ballistic missile fragment struck ADAMA's Makhteshim plant at the Neot Hovav industrial zone south of Beersheba on Day 30, igniting a large fire. ADAMA — part of Chinese-owned Syngenta Group, the world's largest agrochemical company — confirmed the impact. Initial fears of a pesticide leak prompted evacuation of the industrial zone and public shelter orders. The Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry subsequently confirmed all-clear: on-site measurements found no hazardous materials incident and no risk to the public. Roads were reopened and workers allowed to leave shelters. ADAMA's plant manufactures insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The incident was the first confirmed D30 physical impact on industrial infrastructure and the first time an Iranian strike hit Chinese-corporate-owned assets in Israel.