Security

By Pesach Benson • June 19, 2025

Jerusalem, 19 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) — About 23 missiles launched from Iran struck multiple locations across Israel early Thursday, including a direct hit on the Soroka Medical Center in Beer-Sheva.

A Soroka spokesperson said there was “extensive damage in various areas” of the civilian facility.

“We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries,” the spokesperson said. The public was asked not to come to the hospital until further notice.

Health Minister Uriel Bosso called the strike a “war crime” and said advance preparations to protect patients and staff averted a disaster.

“The missile launch at the Soroka Medical Center is an act of terrorism and a crossing of a red line. A war crime by the Iranian regime that was deliberately committed against innocent civilians and medical teams dedicated to saving lives,” Bosso said. “The Ministry of Health was prepared in advance, and thanks to the immediate actions we took, a very serious disaster was averted.”

Other missile falls were reported in Tel Aviv, Ramat and Holon.

Magen David Adom said its emergency responders treated 16 people with injuries in Holon, including three in critial condition.

Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on Friday, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. According to Israeli defense officials, Iran has developed the capacity to rapidly enrich uranium and assemble nuclear bombs, with sufficient fissile material for up to 15 weapons.

Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in what officials describe as a broader Iranian strategy combining nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare aimed at Israel’s destruction.