The Israeli Front
Day 7 of the War – Throughout the night, approximately five missiles and three UAVs were launched toward Israel and were successfully intercepted. In the morning hours, a heavy barrage of over 20 missiles was fired, four impacts occurred in population centers, including in the south at Soroka Medical Center and in central Israel. So far, 270 injuries have been reported, including several in serious condition.
The defense establishment believes that one of the missiles launched this morning from Iran consisted of multiple smaller warheads (a “cluster bomb”—that is, a warhead that splits upon explosion), which dispersed over multiple areas in central Israel. Since the beginning of the war, hundreds of injuries and 24 fatalities have been reported. Over 400 ballistic missiles and more than 200 UAVs have been launched toward Israel, most of which were successfully intercepted.
Strikes in Iran
Last night, 40 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets using over 100 munitions. The IDF targeted an inactive nuclear reactor in the Arak area of Iran, as well as a site used for the development of nuclear weapons in the Natanz area. For more details on the strike in Arak, see article.
In addition, military production sites of the Iranian regime were targeted, including factories for the production of raw materials, components used in assembling ballistic missiles, and facilities for the production of Iranian air defense systems and missiles. Air defense batteries, missile storage sites, radar systems, and detection equipment belonging to the Iranian regime were also destroyed.
Lebanon
Last night, the IDF eliminated two Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon: Yassin Abd al-Manaam Az al-Din, an artillery commander of the Litani sector in the Hezbollah terrorist organization, and Mohammad Ahmad Khreis, an anti-tank commander of the Shebaa sector of Hezbollah in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon. Another elimination took place in the afternoon in the village of Hula.
The IDF continues to operate in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah’s attempts to rebuild its capabilities. It is possible that Hezbollah is trying to take advantage of the fact that the focus is currently directed at Iran to restore its operational readiness.
In addition, Hezbollah issued a statement expressing support for Khamenei in light of threats to his life from Israeli officials, declaring that:
“Some of those challenging him in their own countries are unaware of the immense and significant status of the great Marja’ (religious authority), the Leader Imam Khamenei — may he live a long life — in Iran, among the Islamic nation and the world, and among Islamic peoples and the free peoples. The threat to assassinate him is a foolish and reckless act with serious consequences. Despite the foolishness and low stature of those making the threats, even uttering such words harms hundreds of millions of believers, supporters, and those committed to Islam and the path of honor, resistance, and courage — and it is condemned in the strongest terms.”
Syria
On June 17, Syrian internal security forces foiled a weapons smuggling attempt in Tartus that was intended to reach Lebanon through illegal crossings. Syrian authorities reported that they had been tracking the smuggling cell since the beginning of June and had prior intelligence.
On Thursday, June 19, the Syrian Internal Security Directorate in the Tell Kalakh area, in western Homs Province, announced the seizure of a shipment of Grad rockets that was intended to be smuggled into Lebanese territory. The driver involved in transporting the shipment was arrested.
