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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-16 at 02:05
HEADLINES
1. Israel and Iran Clash in Historic Missile Exchange
2. Lebanese Hezbollah Faces Decimation Amid Regional Turmoil
3. US Veto Sparks Tensions Over Iran Israel Escalation
The time is now 10:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At ten o'clock in the evening, the situation across Israel and the broader Middle East remains critically tense. Israel is currently engaged in a direct military confrontation with Iran, with reports of heavy missile exchanges and targeted strikes. Iranian missiles with heavy warheads have been fired toward Israeli territory, prompting the Israeli defense system to activate its shield of safe rooms and public shelters, which authorities affirm have been effective in saving most residents' lives during these attacks.
In recent hours, Israel's military has responded vigorously. The Israeli Air Force has targeted multiple surface-to-surface missile launch sites, especially near nuclear facilities, as Tehran publicly dismisses any possibility of ceasefire negotiations. The conflict began escalating last Friday, with Israel conducting strikes that killed senior military figures and nuclear scientists, and damaging military bases, nuclear sites, and residential areas across the country. The current exchange has marked one of the most intense confrontations in recent history, with fears mounting of a protracted conflict that could draw in the entire region.
Meanwhile, the ground situation remains volatile. Reports indicate that the Home Front Command has lifted restrictions on leaving protected spaces in several areas, as search and rescue teams operate across multiple locations to respond to fallen projectiles and missile impacts. Sirens have sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and in the north near the border with Lebanon and Syria, where Israeli defenses intercepted aerial incursions. Specific incidents include a missile strike in the city of Bat Yam, which resulted in two fatalities, raising the death toll to nine, and approximately twenty injuries, some of them moderate.
On the northern front, there have been alerts for hostile drone and aircraft activity, notably in areas like Rosh Hanikra and the Golan Heights. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Iranian-backed groups, including militias in Iraq, have launched additional missile volleys, including from Iraq itself, targeting northern and central Israel. The IDF has issued warnings about the enemy monitoring footage of hits, urging responsible sharing of information to prevent aiding adversaries.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses at the hands of Israeli forces, with reports of their decimation and efforts by Lebanon to push them out of the country. In Gaza, Hamas remains degraded from previous conflicts, though the ongoing hostage situation continues to influence Israeli military and diplomatic strategies. Meanwhile, in Yemen, Houthi rebels continue missile and drone attacks, adding another layer of regional instability.
Internationally, the United States under the Trump administration has called for Iran and Israel to "fight it out" before reaching a deal, with President Trump suggesting both sides might need to continue their military exchanges before negotiations can proceed. The US has also reportedly vetoed plans for targeted actions against Iran's leadership and emphasized the importance of responsible conduct in publicizing military targets, warning that enemy forces monitor such footage to improve their attack capabilities.
Amid these hostilities, efforts to evacuate civilians and secure infrastructure are ongoing. The Israeli government urges citizens to stay away from zones of impact to facilitate emergency operations and prevent further casualties. As the night progresses, the region remains on high alert, with the potential for further escalatio
Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago