In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a widespread missile attack on Israel in the early hours of June 19. The coordinated barrage reportedly included 20–25 ballistic missiles, striking multiple locations including civilian areas and a major hospital, according to Israeli military sources and international news agencies .
Among the sites hit was Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, which suffered extensive damage to its emergency department. Hospital officials described scenes of chaos and issued urgent appeals for injured civilians not to come to the facility due to its compromised capacity. Other locations in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Holon, and central Israel reportedly sustained major structural damage, and air-raid sirens were activated across major urban centers .
In retaliation, Israel responded with fresh airstrikes targeting Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor and announced “Operation Rising Lion”—a new phase in the campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Iranian media confirmed that the Arak facility had been evacuated prior to the strike, ensuring no radiological incidents.
The Iranian barrage marks the seventh consecutive day of intense exchanges, following earlier missile and drone attacks by Tehran that caused civilian casualties and significant damage. Cumulative figures indicate at least 24 Israelis killed and over 200 injured, whereas Iranian casualties reportedly exceed 224, with civilian fatalities potentially reaching 600.
President Trump remains undecided on joining the military campaign. He stated: “I may do it. I may not do it… nobody knows what I’m going to do,” underlining internal debate over U.S. involvement while Israeli officials expressed gratitude for his continued support.
