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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-16 at 09:05
HEADLINES
Israeli Strikes Destroy One-Third of Iran’s Missiles
Israeli-Cairo Diplomatic Talks Postpone Amid Rising Tensions
Hezbollah Drone Sparks New Israel Defense Alert
The time is now 05:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At five o'clock in the morning, Israeli military sources report significant developments in the ongoing conflict with Iran and its proxies. The Israel Defense Forces have conducted targeted strikes, claiming the destruction of one-third of Iran’s missile launchers. The objective, as stated by the IDF, is to eliminate the threat posed by these missile capabilities, which have been used to attack Israeli territory. Despite the successful interdictions, Israeli officials acknowledge that the Iranian regime is responding harshly, with over 65 rockets and dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles launched in retaliation. Most of these projectiles have been intercepted, but some have reached their targets, causing casualties and damage.
In a series of recent operations, Israel has also continued its covert campaign against high-ranking Iranian intelligence figures. Four senior officials, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence organization and the chief of the Quds Force intelligence division, were reportedly eliminated in airstrikes near Tehran. These figures played central roles in Iran’s strategic planning and support for proxy groups across the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iraqi militias.
Meanwhile, the threat from Iran’s proxies persists. In the early hours, over 100 missiles struck central and northern Israel, resulting in the death of eight civilians and injuring 287 others. Major population centers like Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Haifa, and Petah Tikva suffered extensive damage, with buildings collapsed and fires raging. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency services evacuating victims and working to contain fires. The Israeli military reports intercepting numerous incoming missiles, though some penetrated defenses, causing destruction.
The Lebanese Hezbollah has also been active. Reports indicate a drone from Hezbollah made it into Israeli airspace near Caesarea, triggering sirens and prompting interception efforts. This incident follows prior provocations, including a drone attack that targeted Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea, which has heightened tensions in the region.
In the north, Israeli defenses intercepted a hostile drone over the Golan Heights, and alerts were issued in multiple regions, including the Valley of Springs, Beit She'an, and the Jordan Valley. There are ongoing reports of enemy aircraft activity across 74 areas, with several drones and unmanned aerial vehicles being detected, some of which have been shot down or fell short.
On the diplomatic front, a planned French-Saudi conference aimed at establishing a Palestinian state was postponed, amid the tumult. Meanwhile, Western diplomatic sources suggest that the conflict may last weeks and warn that if Israel’s military actions do not decisively weaken Iran’s nuclear program, the regime could suffer politically. A Western diplomat in Brussels expressed concern that unless Iran's nuclear infrastructure is dismantled, the political cost for Iran’s leadership could be high.
Israeli domestic security remains heightened. Authorities have detained a suspect involved in looting homes damaged during missile attacks, emphasizing that civilian resilience is being tested by ongoing hostilities. In addition, a major Israeli research institute, the Weizmann Institute, sustained heavy damage from a missile strike, with fires and injuries reported.
The situation around Netanyahu’s residence continues to be tense. Hezbollah and Iranian channels have been closely monitoring the area, with alerts and interception efforts ongoing. The Israeli governme
Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago