Deadly attack cripples Bazan power plant in Haifa, disrupting energy supply and prompting urgent repairs.
A devastating Iranian missile strike hit Israel’s Bazan oil refinery complex in Haifa late Sunday, killing three employees and forcing a full shutdown of one of the country’s most strategic energy facilities.
Bazan Group confirmed on Monday evening that all operations at the refinery and its subsidiaries had ceased following the direct hit to its power plant. The strike caused widespread damage to the infrastructure that powers and steams the refinery’s operations, prompting emergency mobilisation by the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC).
“The IEC immediately mobilised to restore power to the complex,” Bazan said in a statement. The refinery, which plays a critical role in Israel’s petrochemical supply chain, is now undergoing a full assessment of the damage.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, marks the second strike on Bazan facilities in just two days. A previous missile launched over the weekend caused damage to pipelines and internal transmission lines, though no casualties were reported in that incident.
The most recent strike, however, had far graver consequences. Fires broke out across the facility as plumes of smoke rose above Haifa’s industrial zone. Emergency teams rushed to contain the damage, but three lives were lost in the chaos.
“Our hearts are with the families,” Bazan stated, confirming the deaths.
Energy Minister Eli Cohen arrived at the scene early Monday, accompanied by senior officials and infrastructure experts, to coordinate a rapid repair plan. “The energy sector is fully prepared to meet national fuel demands despite the current disruption,” his ministry said, attempting to calm fears of supply shortages.
In response to the incident, trading of Bazan shares was temporarily suspended on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The company is expected to release a detailed report outlining the extent of the destruction and its expected impact on supply lines and revenues.
The Bazan complex, situated in the northern city of Haifa, is a central hub for Israel’s oil refining and petrochemical output. With all core operations currently frozen, analysts warn of potential ripples throughout Israel’s industrial and transport sectors.
Though the IEC is working to re-establish electricity supply, officials acknowledge that restoring full functionality could take days, if not weeks. Downstream facilities — essential for processing and transport — have also been shut as a precaution.
The airstrike highlights the increasingly precarious state of Israel’s national infrastructure, as Iran intensifies its military pressure amid the broader Gaza conflict. The Haifa refinery, already a high-profile target, now stands as a symbol of vulnerability in a campaign that is extending far beyond traditional warzones.
Despite heavy security measures, Iranian missile precision appears to be improving. Israeli officials have yet to comment directly on possible retaliatory action, but military analysts expect a sharp escalation if strategic assets continue to be hit.
This latest strike unfolds against the backdrop of rising tensions not only in Gaza but across the region, with concerns mounting over Iran’s growing military coordination with proxy forces. Meanwhile, public anxiety is increasing as critical infrastructure comes under direct fire.
Bazan has pledged to release frequent updates as it works to stabilise its operations and assist the families of the victims. For now, Haifa remains on high alert, a city gripped by fear and mourning — and bracing for what may come next
