Warning to Khamenei
In the aftermath of the direct hit on Soroa Medical Center, followed by additional missile fire towards the North, Israel Defense Minister Katz posted on X: “The dictator Khamenei is the modern-day Hitler, who has made the destruction of the State of Israel his central goal and is channeling all of his country’s resources toward advancing this horrific objective. He cannot be allowed to continue to exist.”
הדיקטטור חמינאי הוא היטלר המודרני שחרט על דגלו את השמדת מדינת ישראל ומשעבד את כל המשאבים של המדינה שלו לקידום המטרה הנוראית הזאת.
הוא לא יכול להמשיך ולהתקיים.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 19, 2025
Soroka Medical Center Hit
The IDF confirmed a direct missile strike on Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, marking an unprecedented event in Israel’s healthcare history. About 80 people were wounded—half of them hospital staff—all sustaining light injuries or stress-related symptoms. Over 700 patients were present at the hospital during the impact. The facility is currently operating at reduced capacity, with around 300 patients remaining.
The hospital has suspended non-emergency admissions. Expectant mothers in urgent need may go to the protected Saban Maternity Center; others are advised to seek alternative hospitals. Damage assessments have been conducted in coordination with Home Front Command.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, after visiting the strike site at Soroka, stated: “We strike precisely at nuclear and missile targets, while they hit a children’s ward. That says it all.”
President Herzog, visiting Soroka as well, added: “For the future of our country, we must fight and deliver a severe blow to the snake’s head in Tehran.”
Continued Threat from Iran
Earlier in the day, a barrage of missiles—including some with cluster munitions—was launched from Iran. Multiple impact zones were reported, including at least three in central Israel. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities. The IDF responded with airstrikes on launch sites in western Iran, neutralizing personnel and equipment.
“Early this morning, an Iranian ballistic missile directly hit the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva. This hospital serves over one million Israelis, including Bedouins, Jews, Christians and Arabs alike…Iran targets civilians; we target an existential threat that endangers global… pic.twitter.com/c9bjGkrkT5
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 19, 2025
Civilian Resilience and Emergency Measures
Commander of the Home Front Command, visiting a strike site in Holon, praised public response: “This is an exceptional example of civic discipline. Citizens heeded the alert and went to shelters, saving lives.”
As a precaution, the IDF has advised civilians to remain alert and follow Home Front Command directives. Meanwhile, officials assess that at least one Iranian missile had a warhead capable of dispersing submunitions, raising new concerns about escalation.
No Casualties in the North
Despite alarms sounding across northern Israel and confirmed launches from Iran, no direct hits or injuries have been reported in the region. A fire broke out near Yavne’el following interception debris, and firefighting crews were dispatched.
Moving Forward
The IDF Chief of Staff, BG. Eyal Zamir, reaffirmed ongoing efforts: “We are executing carefully planned operations. Israeli society is demonstrating exceptional resilience—we will do all we can to bring it victory.”
Urban development ministers also began reviewing plans to transform damaged zones into modernized urban areas with better infrastructure.
Fighting on Multiple Fronts
IDF reservists from the 646th Brigade continue intense combat operations in Gaza as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots”. Operating in the Shuja’iyya and Daraj Tuffah neighborhoods in the northern and central Gaza Strip, troops—alongside the Air Force and Engineering Corps—have eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed over 500 military structures and underground terror infrastructures, including approximately 500 meters of tunnel shafts and routes.
In one incident, a terrorist attempting to fire a mortar was identified and swiftly neutralized via an airstrike.
As part of the expanded ground offensive, troops from Division 162 began encircling the village of Jabaliya to locate and destroy terror infrastructure. Givati Brigade combat teams located and destroyed weapons caches and eliminated several terrorists. In another incident, Givati forces spotted terrorists approaching and directed an Air Force strike that killed the cell.
This week two soldiers fell in Gaza, giving their lives in the fight against the murderous terror organization still holding Israelis hostage. Deputy company commander Staff Sergeant Tal Movshovitz and Naveh Leshem, from the Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion.
