Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-19 at 18:05
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HEADLINES1. Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites Amid Escalating War2. Civilian Casualties Surge as Iran Attacks Israel Cities3. US Mulls Broader Action as Tensions Reach Breaking PointThe time is now 02:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At two o'clock in the afternoon, this is your hourly update on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Israeli Defense Forces have announced that they continue to strike targets linked to Iran’s military infrastructure as part of Operation Rising Lion, now in its seventh day. The IDF reports that recent airstrikes targeted the headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s special forces and facilities associated with Iran’s nuclear program. According to official sources, these actions aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to degrade Tehran’s missile capabilities. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli aircraft have targeted and hit a nuclear reactor site in the Arak region, which, while currently inactive, has the potential to produce fissile material used in nuclear armaments.Meanwhile, Israel’s military efforts extend to the northern border, with reports of renewed air defense activity over Tehran. Israeli officials confirm that the Iron Dome and other missile defense systems have been activated in response to increased missile and drone attacks originating from Iran and its proxies. There are reports of Iranian missile strikes against civilian targets in central Israel, with at least one body recovered from the site of a missile impact in Bat Yam after a recent strike, marking four days since the attack. Civilian casualties include a seven-year-old girl and several other civilians wounded in missile attacks on cities such as Holon, Ramat Gan, and Beersheba. The total number of injured has now risen to over 270, with many receiving treatment in hospitals across the country.In the political arena, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is comparable to a modern-day Hitler and has declared that eliminating Khamenei remains a strategic goal. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military actions are part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, asserting that recent strikes have already destroyed half of Iran’s missile launchers. The Prime Minister also reiterated Israel’s readiness to expand its military operations if necessary, stating, “We are changing the map of the Middle East and, ultimately, the world.”Internationally, discussions are intensifying regarding potential US involvement. A US official has indicated that Washington will decide within the next 24 to 48 hours whether to join Israel in a broader military campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed support for decisive action, but the final decision rests with the current administration, which is cautious amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Notably, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have engaged in direct talks, the most serious since April, with Iran signaling possible flexibility on its nuclear program if Israeli airstrikes cease. These negotiations aim to prevent further escalation but have been complicated by Iran’s insistence that its uranium enrichment rights are non-negotiable.Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise as Iran’s proxies remain active. The Houthis in Yemen continue launching missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia and southern Israel, while Hezbollah faces significant setbacks after being targeted by IDF strikes that severely degraded their operational capacity. The Lebanese government is under pressure to expel Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon as part of efforts to restore stability.On the domestic front, Israel faces tragic losses alongside its military operations. Today, a 16-year-old boy was lightly injured from stone-throwing at an Israeli bus near Jerusalem, and a 17-year-old was hospitalized after a traffic accident caused by a vehicle rollover in the north. The government has announced plans for a controlled demolition of a missile debris site in Kiryat Tivon, in coordination with security forces, to prevent further damage.Adding to the tragic toll, a Ukrainian family’s visit to Israel ended in loss when Maria Pashkorova and three family members were killed in the Iranian missile strikes in central Israel. Her body was recovered from the rubble after four days, with her husband, a Ukrainian soldier, still unable to leave the war zone. This incident underscores the global reach of Iran’s missile campaign, which has also affected civilians seeking medical treatment and refuge in Israel.In a related development, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that Israel has struck more than half of Iran’s missile launchers and missile sites since the conflict began. He also revealed that Israeli intelligence has successfully intercepted and destroyed a significant portion of incoming Iranian rockets, contributing to the country’s defensive efforts.Finally, in internal security matters, Israel’s Home Front Command has announced preparations for a mass evacuation plan in case of escalation, including the use of hotels for temporarily displaced residents. Additionally, the government has issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant as threats continue to evolve, with increased activity reported in the Gaza Strip and along the Lebanese border.This concludes your update. We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you the latest developments as they unfold.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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