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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-19 at 11:05
HEADLINES
Iran Launches Devastating Missile Attack on Israeli Hospitals
Israel Vows to Destroy Iran’s Nuclear and Military Capabilities
Regional Tensions Surge as Iran-Backed Forces Fire Drones and Missiles
The time is now 07:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
At 7:00 AM, tensions remain high across Israel and the broader Middle East, amid a series of severe developments. Early this morning, Israel was targeted by a ballistic missile barrage launched from Iran, resulting in at least 147 injuries, with six individuals seriously hurt. The missile strikes hit multiple sites, including the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva, which was directly hit—eyewitness footage confirms the missile struck the old surgical building, contradicting Iranian claims that only superficial damage occurred near a military site adjacent to the hospital. Emergency services are actively evacuating and treating the wounded, with dozens of patients transferred to other hospitals nationwide.
The Israeli Defense Forces assert that Iran deliberately targeted Soroka Hospital to inflict mass casualties, highlighting the attack as a clear act of terrorism. The IDF also reports that one of the morning’s missiles was composed of several smaller projectiles—possibly a cluster munition—dispersing debris across the central region, including Or Yehuda, Jaffa, and Savyon. Bomb disposal teams are investigating whether it was a fragmentation warhead, as authorities assess the threat level. This missile attack marks one of the most intense assaults from Iran in recent days, with the regime firing toward civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and residential areas.
In response, Israel’s leadership has vowed to intensify military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz described Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei as a modern Hitler, asserting that removing him from power is a strategic objective. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will hold Tehran accountable for its aggression, emphasizing that the country will take full responsibility for the missile assaults. Meanwhile, Israeli officials, including the Home Front Command, are conducting damage assessments, notably in Holon, where a missile impact caused destruction and led to evacuations.
International reactions are also notable. The Dutch Foreign Ministry reported minor damage to their embassy in Tel Aviv due to the Iranian missile barrage. Furthermore, diplomatic tensions are rising as Iran’s foreign minister announced plans to meet with British, German, and French counterparts in Geneva, signaling ongoing diplomatic engagement amid the crisis.
On the military front, Israel launched an attack overnight on Iran’s heavy water facility in Arak, with the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming that the site contains no nuclear materials and poses no radiation threat. The IDF also reports targeting an inactive nuclear reactor at Arak, aiming to weaken Iran’s nuclear infrastructure further. In Syria, the newly established government in Damascus claims to have thwarted an attempt to smuggle ballistic missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon, allegedly supplied by Iran, which could have opened a new front against Israel.
Adding to regional volatility, reports indicate that Iran’s proxy forces, including Hezbollah and Houthi militants in Yemen, continue firing missiles and drones at Israeli and allied targets, while the Daraa province in southern Syria has become a significant dumping ground for Iranian UAVs, complicating security operations. Israeli officials warn that Iranian-backed militias are actively fortifying their positions, aiming to extend their reach and influence.
Domestically, Israel’s government has postponed national exams and increased security measures, including the deployment of additional military assets and reinforcement of civil
Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago