Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-06-20 at 17:04
05:39 Share

HEADLINESIsrael Defense Forces Warns Prolonged Gaza CampaignIran Fires 850 Missiles in Escalating AttacksUS Deploys Nimitz Carrier Amid Middle East TensionsThe time is now 01:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.At one o'clock in the afternoon, this is your update on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, indicated that the current military campaign may extend over a prolonged period. He explained that Israel launched this operation specifically to eliminate what he described as a grave threat. Zamir revealed that Iran had dedicated years to developing a plan aimed at destroying Israel, which the IDF now considers an imminent and serious danger. As part of their efforts, Israeli forces have destroyed approximately half of Iran's missile launchers, underscoring their focus on preemption and strategic targeting.Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense. Israeli military sources report ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which has suffered significant losses, including the decimation of its capabilities by the IDF. Reports also confirm missile attacks in Haifa, where at least 19 individuals were wounded, one critically, after Iranian missiles struck the northern port city. Among the targets was a mosque, which was hit during the barrage, and there are reports of damage near Bushehr airport in Iran. Iran continues to deny US negotiations, insisting that talks cannot resume until Israeli military actions cease. Tehran's top diplomat has called Israeli strikes an act of aggression and has accused Israel of targeting civilians across multiple faiths, including Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. Iran claims to have launched a barrage of approximately 450 missiles and 400 attack drones at Israel since the escalation began, causing damage at over fifty impact sites and resulting in the deaths of at least 25 civilians, including children. In response, Israel has carried out a series of targeted strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, with the IDF stating that Iranian forces were responsible for launching missile systems prepared for attack. The Israeli military reports that during the night, it intercepted three Iranian surface-to-surface missile launchers and a unit of Iranian soldiers, including a commander responsible for missile operations, who were en route to execute an attack. The Israeli Air Force has emphasized its active efforts to preempt such threats, with the chief of staff noting that they have identified and destroyed approximately half of Iran’s missile launchers, some just minutes before launch.Additionally, the Israeli government has maintained strict civil defense measures. The Home Front Command reports that emergency instructions remain unchanged at least until 9 p.m. tomorrow. Amid the hostilities, a tragic incident occurred in Ramat Gan, where a woman in her seventies was found dead in a bomb shelter during a missile alert caused by Iranian strikes. On the international front, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. European foreign ministers are currently engaged in talks with Iran in Geneva, but Israeli officials dismiss these discussions as ineffective. Israeli Foreign Minister Arik Kaanah condemned the European approach, criticizing the lack of action and warning that Israel will continue its military operations to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure. He described the negotiations as a "shame and a farce," emphasizing Israel's intent to fully neutralize threats rather than negotiate away its security.In a related development, a US aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, is expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of the week, marking the second American carrier in the region. US officials suggest this deployment may signal preparations for potential military action against Iran.The situation remains volatile. The Israeli military reports that during recent strikes, it targeted missile launchers and Iranian military personnel attempting to carry out attacks. Israeli authorities also note their commitment to defending the civilian population, with ongoing evacuations and medical responses to injuries. The death toll from missile attacks across Israel has reached at least 25, with hundreds wounded, and damages are estimated at over two billion shekels.Finally, amid this chaos, international journalism faces restrictions. Israel has imposed new rules requiring foreign journalists to obtain military approval before reporting from conflict zones, citing security concerns. Conversely, some foreign reporters have bypassed censorship; a journalist from the Washington Post published precise coordinates of missile strikes in Israel, raising questions about information control during wartime.This ongoing conflict remains complex and fluid. The Israeli leadership asserts that their campaign is a preemptive response to an existential threat, while Iran and its proxies continue their missile and drone assaults. The international community watches closely as diplomatic and military positions harden. This has been your update at one o'clock. Stay tuned for further developments.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. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1fdkmm4xx)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207397)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyuwj0z4lx)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207396)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryno8amvee)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyy2q00zvgg)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207392)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207391)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207390)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207388)https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/06/iran-missile-barrage-leaves-19-injured-israels-haifa-hospital)https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/6477)https://t.me/newssil/159264)https://t.me/newssil/159263)https://t.me/newssil/159262)https://t.me/newssil/159261)https://t.me/newssil/159260)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1dy8tm4lg)https://t.me/abualiexpress/98643)https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skdarlxexe)https://t.me/Newss0nline/52615)https://t.me/Newss0nline/52614)https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/6476)https://t.me/abualiexpress/98641)https://t.me/abualiexpress/98640)https://t.me/abualiexpress/98638)https://t.me/newssil/159259)https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1207382)https://t.me/newssil/159258)https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/06/iranian-foreign-minister-says-israel-attack-betrayal-diplomacy-us)https://t.me/StandWithUsBreakingNews/6474)