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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-18 at 04:04
HEADLINES
1. Israel Resumes Repatriation Amid Heightened Tensions
2. Iran Launches 25 Missiles in Escalating Attack
3. US Mulls Joint Strike on Iran Nuclear Site
The time is now 12:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At twelve noon, several significant developments in the ongoing regional tensions and security situation are unfolding.
Israeli authorities announced that the first flight under the "Safe Return" operation has successfully landed at Ben Gurion Airport. This operation, coordinated by the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Israel Airports Authority, aims to repatriate Israeli citizens stranded abroad due to recent flight cancellations amid heightened security concerns. The initial flight brought back travelers from Larnaca, with authorities mobilizing additional staff at Ben Gurion to expedite passenger processing. Passengers are being swiftly transported to their destinations across the country through various means, including shuttles and rail services.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the northern borders. There have been multiple alerts and reports of hostile aerial incursions in northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from the east, following reports of drone and aircraft intrusions across multiple regions including the Upper Galilee, Lower Galilee, and the central Galilee. In response, the military has activated its air defense systems, and residents in affected areas are instructed to remain in protected spaces. The situation is ongoing, with radar alerts and red warnings continuing to be issued.
Adding to the regional volatility, reports indicate that Iran launched approximately twenty-five ballistic missile attacks overnight, targeting Israeli positions. The Israeli military confirms that missile interception systems successfully neutralized some of these threats. The attacks come amidst escalating tensions related to Iran’s nuclear program and Israeli concerns over Iranian military capabilities.
In Iran, news agencies report an Israeli attack on a missile manufacturing facility near Tehran, specifically targeting what is believed to be a site involved in Iran’s missile development efforts. Iranian sources describe the strike as a significant escalation, raising fears of a broader military confrontation. Concurrently, Iranian news outlets also report a missile attack on a university in Tehran associated with the Revolutionary Guard, further underscoring the volatile security environment.
Internationally, the situation garners attention as South Korea’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning North Korea’s recent decision to send additional forces to Russia. This move is considered a violation of United Nations sanctions, prompting calls for an immediate halt to military collaboration between the two nations. The escalation of foreign military activity in support of Russia amid the Ukraine conflict adds another layer to the regional and global tensions.
In the United States, discussions continue among high-ranking officials. Reports suggest that President Trump is considering the possibility of US involvement in Israeli military operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Specifically, there is speculation about joint operations targeting Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear site, reflecting the deepening alignment of security interests between Israel and the United States under the current administration.
The overall picture remains tense. The Israeli military continues to monitor potential threats from the air, and the government remains on high alert as regional hostilities intensify. Diplomatic efforts are also underway, but the risk of wider conflict appears to be increasing as various actors respond to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago