Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-19 at 10:05
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HEADLINESIran launches missile attack on Israel injuring 147 civiliansIsrael targets Iran’s Arak reactor in retaliation escalationUS prepares weekend strikes amid rising Iran-Israel tensionsThe time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At six a.m., there are urgent developments from the region. Iran launched a missile attack targeting multiple sites within Israel, striking at least seven locations, including the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, which suffered a direct hit. The attack injured over 147 people, with six in serious condition—four in Holon and two in Ramat Gan. Emergency services evacuated dozens, including a 96-year-old woman in critical condition. The Israeli military reports that its air force targeted Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor, a site believed to be used for plutonium production, in retaliation. In response to the missile strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, will be held accountable for these actions. The government has ordered increased strikes against strategic Iranian targets, emphasizing that the attack on the Soroka hospital and residential areas constitutes war crimes. Furthermore, Israeli officials have declared their intent to work to undermine the Iranian regime, with the Prime Minister indicating that military measures may escalate further if necessary.Meanwhile, the conflict has intensified on the northern front. A missile fragment the size of a bus fell in a central Israeli town in Samaria, prompting calls for urgent protection measures. Local officials have criticized the lack of sufficient fortifications and bomb shelters, especially in vulnerable settlements. A recent report from the State Comptroller highlights that over 2.6 million Israelis lack proper protected spaces, with many communities unshielded from missile threats. A recent ballistic missile debris landing in Samaria underscores the danger to civilians, especially in areas without adequate defenses.From the international arena, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has expressed a desire for a ceasefire in Iran, claiming that nothing has happened to Iran’s nuclear facilities—contradicting reports from the IDF and international agencies that damage has been extensive. Putin called for all parties to reach an agreement that ensures Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear activities while guaranteeing Israel’s security. Russia has proposed options such as Iran transferring uranium to Russia for civilian use, but Iran maintains its right to uranium enrichment, complicating diplomatic efforts.US military preparations are underway for possible action against Iran. Sources indicate that senior officials have developed contingency plans for a weekend strike targeting Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow facility. President Trump has privately authorized attack options but has not yet issued an order, citing the need for careful timing amid the fluid situation. The US has also been concerned about maritime traffic in the Gulf, with threats of potential targeting of US assets.On the diplomatic front, tensions extend beyond the battlefield. A senior US Army officer was removed from his position after posting inflammatory comments on social media, including calling Israel a “death cult” and defending Hamas’s Gaza Health Ministry, which is accused of manipulating casualty figures. The Department of Defense reaffirmed that such views do not reflect official policy and emphasized the importance of discipline within the military.In Israel, the situation remains tense. The Home Front Command reports that several missiles struck in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, with injuries reported across the region. The government has closed the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva to all but life-threatening cases after it was hit, and a hospital in Bnei Brak has also been damaged. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, condemned the attacks, warning that if Iran’s regime possesses nuclear weapons, they would use them without hesitation. He pledged that Israel will continue its campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and undermine its regime.Amidst this, international and domestic media continue to monitor and report on the conflict. A Turkish journalist documenting missile impact sites was detained after revealing precise locations, raising concerns over press freedom and security protocols. Additionally, hacker groups linked to Israel have leaked internal codes from Iran’s crypto exchanges, further complicating Tehran’s economic resilience.In the United States, Senator Ted Cruz has defended AIPAC against accusations of foreign influence, asserting that it operates independently within US law. Meanwhile, Tucker Carlson remains a critic of the Israeli government’s military actions, raising questions about the influence of pro-Israel lobbying and the potential for rising antisemitic rhetoric across different spheres. As the situation develops, Israeli officials warn that the conflict is at a critical juncture. The government continues to prepare for further escalation, while international actors call for restraint and diplomatic solutions—though military options remain on the table. The region watches anxiously as the day unfolds, with the threat of further violence looming large.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. 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