Central Israel has been significantly affected by recent Iranian missile attacks, which have involved waves of ballistic missiles and drones. Here's a summary of the situation: Casualties and Injuries: * Fatalities: There have been reports of multiple deaths in central Israel, including in cities liRead more
Central Israel has been significantly affected by recent Iranian missile attacks, which have involved waves of ballistic missiles and drones. Here’s a summary of the situation:
Casualties and Injuries:
* Fatalities: There have been reports of multiple deaths in central Israel, including in cities like Bat Yam and Rishon Lezion. Overall, fatalities from the Iranian barrages across Israel have reached at least 8 people, with some reports indicating higher numbers.
* Injuries: Scores of people have been wounded, with estimates ranging from dozens to over 200 across Israel. Many have been treated in hospitals in the central region, including Kaplan, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, and Ichilov Medical Center. Injuries range from light to critical, and a baby was reportedly rescued from rubble in Rishon Lezion.
* Missing Persons: Some reports indicate that a number of people, potentially around 35, are still missing in areas like Bat Yam following direct missile strikes.
Damage and Impact:
* Direct Hits: Several missiles have directly impacted civilian population centers in central Israel, causing severe damage.
* Residential Buildings: Homes and residential buildings have sustained significant damage, with some being reduced to rubble or having their fronts torn away.
* Infrastructure: Roads and streets in central Israeli cities have experienced substantial damage.
* Widespread Effects: Explosions have been heard consistently across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Rishon Lezion, Ramat Gan, and Bat Yam. Shrapnel falls have been reported in the Dan, Central, and Jerusalem districts, leading to damage and fires in open areas.
* Disruption: Air raid sirens have blared, sending residents rushing to shelters. Israel’s main international airport was reported to be closed until further notice.
Response:
* Emergency Services: Magen David Adom (Israel’s emergency medical service) and Fire and Rescue Authority have been actively responding to incidents, providing aid to the wounded and conducting search and rescue operations.
* Iron Dome: While Israel’s Iron Dome defense system has intercepted many projectiles, several Iranian missiles have reportedly penetrated it and caused damage.
The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing tensions and retaliatory actions between Israel and Iran.
As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, the tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, marking the third day of overt conflict. Here's a summary of what we know: Initiation of Conflict: * Friday, June 13, 2025: Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion." TheRead more
As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, the tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, marking the third day of overt conflict. Here’s a summary of what we know:
See lessInitiation of Conflict:
* Friday, June 13, 2025: Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” These attacks targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military installations, and reportedly killed several top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami and Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Explosions were reported in Tehran and near nuclear sites like Natanz and Esfahan. Israel stated its aim was to “degrade, destroy, and remove the threat” of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
* Friday, June 13, 2025 (Evening): Iran quickly retaliated with a large-scale attack on Israel, launching over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones, codenamed “Operation True Promise III.”
Escalation and Continued Strikes:
* Saturday, June 14, 2025: Both sides continued their strikes. Israel expanded its targets to include Iran’s energy industry, while Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel continued, reportedly hitting cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv.
* Sunday, June 15, 2025: The exchange of strikes has continued for a third day. Israel has unleashed further airstrikes across Iran, threatening greater force. Some Iranian missiles have reportedly evaded Israeli air defenses and struck buildings in central Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted Israel’s fuel infrastructure in response to Israeli strikes on its oil facilities.
Casualties and Damages:
* Iran: Iranian media has reported significant casualties, with unofficial tolls on Saturday stating 78 people killed and 329 injured in Tehran alone. Al Jazeera reports at least 80 people killed and 800 wounded across Iran over the past two days, including 20 children and nine nuclear scientists. Israeli strikes have caused fires at oil storage facilities in Tehran and other areas.
* Israel: Iran’s retaliatory strikes have also caused casualties. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service reported at least 10 people killed overnight and into Sunday, bringing Israel’s total death toll to 13. Reports indicate strikes hitting residential areas, with one attack in Bat Yam (a Tel Aviv suburb) killing at least six people, including two children, and wounding 180.
International Reaction:
* The United Nations Security Council held a meeting on Friday, June 13, to discuss the rising tensions.
* Calls for de-escalation are mounting from world leaders.
* The conflict has closed Israel’s main international airport and airspace for a third day.
Context and Broader Implications:
* This direct military confrontation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing “shadow war” between Israel and Iran, which previously involved proxy conflicts, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations.
* The immediate catalyst was Israel’s initial strikes, which it justified by claiming Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, a day after the UN nuclear watchdog declared Iran wasn’t complying with nonproliferation agreements. Iran responded by stating it would create a new uranium enrichment facility.
* Experts are concerned about the potential for this conflict to escalate into a wider regional war, with implications for global energy markets.
* There are reports of discussions regarding regime change as a potential Israeli goal.