Israel News for 6-19-2025
News Update
An Iranian missile hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, one of Israel’s largest hospitals, causing extensive damage. Several patients were treated for mild injuries. The missile was part of a barrage of over 30 missiles this morning. There were impacts in Holon and Ramat Gan, causing major damage to buildings. At least 271 people were injured in the strikes, with 4 injuries listed as serious. According to the IDF, some of the missiles carried warheads that fragmented into 20 smaller submunitions, greatly expanding the impact area and increasing casualties.
Defense Minister Katz said that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu “have instructed the IDF to intensify attacks against strategic targets in Iran and government targets in Tehran – to remove threats against the State of Israel and undermine the ayatollahs’ regime.” He also said, “A dictator like Khamenei who stands at the head of a state like Iran and has the horrible goal of destroying Israel—cannot continue to exist.”
Israel said it hit Iran’s heavy-water reactor in Arak as well as what it described as a site used for the development of nuclear weapons in the city of Natanz. The reactor in Arak was not operational and did not cause any radiological effects. The IDF warned residents of central Iranian cities of Arak and Khondab ahead of the strikes. Around 40 Israeli jets hit over 100 targets in Iran this morning. The IDF has already destroyed two-thirds of Irans missile launchers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said hundreds of Russian nuclear experts will continue to work at a power plant in Iran, on the Persian Gulf, after Israel agreed to guarantee their safety. He said, “Their total number may reach 600 [people]. We are not leaving. We have reached an agreement with the Israeli leadership that their security will be guaranteed.”
President Trump has reportedly approved attack plans for strikes against Iran, but has still not decided whether to execute them. Asked if he had decided whether to strike at Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it.” And he added, “The next week is going to be very big, maybe less than a week.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, in a post, urged Trump to “Go all in. Finish the job.”
Staff Sergeant Stav Halfon, 20, from Petah Tikva, was killed by a sniper in southern Gaza.
