Iran Strikes Israel’s Soroka Hospital and Diamond Exchange; Netanyahu Promises Retaliation
In a significant escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, a wave of Iranian ballistic missiles struck Israeli cities early Thursday morning, June 19, 2025, injuring over 120 people and directly hitting Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba — the largest hospital in southern Israel. This marks the most direct Iranian attack on civilian infrastructure since the war began on June 13.
Soroka Hospital Damaged in Direct Missile Hit
The Iran missile strike on Soroka Hospital damaged an old surgical building, which had been evacuated days prior. Hospital officials confirmed that several individuals suffered minor injuries. The hospital will only accept life-threatening cases until further notice.
“We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a public address.
“Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital and at civilians.”
Footage shows shattered windows, smoke, and collapsed interior structures. Shlomi Codish, director general of Soroka, reported that remaining patients were transferred to underground shelters as emergency teams assessed the scene.
Missile Impacts Across Central and Southern Israel
Beersheba, Holon, and Ramat Gan were also hit. Magen David Adom (MDA) confirmed 129 injuries nationwide, with 89 in the Gush Dan region near Tel Aviv, 40 in Beersheba, and several more across central Israel.
In Ramat Gan, a missile exploded near the Israeli Diamond Exchange, damaging commercial buildings, shattering windows, and starting fires. Emergency services evacuated workers as flames spread through nearby offices.
Military and Political Response
The Israeli military labeled the Soroka strike the first direct hospital hit in the current war. In response, Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed intensified military operations:
“We will intensify strikes on strategic Iranian targets and infrastructure in Tehran,” Katz stated, calling the attack a “serious war crime.”
Unusually, elite Nachshon unit prison guards were deployed to aid emergency services at Soroka, highlighting the gravity of the damage.
Civilian Toll and Hospital Strain
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Sheba Medical Center treated two patients in critical condition.
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Wolfson Medical Center admitted four in serious condition.
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Over a dozen patients were treated for anxiety and minor injuries.
Ahmad Tibi, Arab Knesset Member, condemned the hospital strike:
“Attacking a hospital is a crime that must be condemned, always and everywhere.”
Iran Silent as Global Tensions Rise
Though Tehran has not claimed responsibility, the attack is widely seen as retaliation for Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassination of senior Iranian officials.
The IDF stated that dozens of ballistic missiles were launched, with most intercepted by Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems. However, some missiles evaded interception through advanced tactics.
Evacuations and Global Reactions
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Japan is preparing evacuations via Djibouti.
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China is registering citizens for exit via the Israel-Egypt border.
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President Donald Trump has not committed to military support, stating:
“I like to make decisions one second before they’re due.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister is reportedly open to diplomatic talks with the U.S. and European powers in Geneva.
What’s Next?
Military analysts warn that further Iranian strikes are likely. Israel’s Home Front Command briefly issued additional alerts on Thursday afternoon, which were later identified as false alarms or late signals.
With smoke still rising from Soroka Medical Center, the civilian cost of the conflict continues to grow. As both sides harden their positions, the world watches anxiously for signs of de-escalation or a broader regional war.
