In a move Israeli officials are calling a war crime, Iran launched a direct missile strike on Soroka Medical Center in Be’er?Sheva, one of Israel’s most vital trauma hospitals. The attack injured dozens and marks one of the most serious escalations in the conflict to date.
According to Israeli emergency services, over 270 individuals were injured across the southern and central regions of the country. At least 65 were wounded in the hospital strike alone, some critically. Soroka Medical Center, known for treating civilians across ethnic and religious lines—including Jewish, Arab, and Bedouin communities—suffered damage to its emergency and surgical units. Hospital staff had scrambled to evacuate patients only hours before the impact, likely preventing a higher death toll.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a forceful warning in response. “Iran has crossed a red line,” he declared. “They will pay the full price for this atrocity.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was even more blunt, stating, “Iran’s Supreme Leader must understand—he can no longer continue to exist untouched.”
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that the retaliatory phase is underway. High-value Iranian military sites, including missile storage facilities, air defense hubs, and nuclear-related assets, are being targeted. Israeli jets reportedly launched additional strikes near Tehran and deep within Iranian infrastructure networks.
Iran’s barrage included hundreds of missiles and drones launched since mid-June, with roughly two dozen striking civilian areas including Tel Aviv, Holon, and Bat Yam. Israel claims to have neutralized a majority of the projectiles using its advanced missile defense systems.
U.S. officials confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on contingency strike options ahead of the Iranian escalation but has not yet ordered direct American involvement. The White House said it continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense “without hesitation.”
Bottom line:
By striking a civilian hospital, Iran has dramatically escalated its confrontation with Israel—shifting the war into dangerous new territory. With Netanyahu promising a punishing response and Israeli forces already in motion, the question now is not if the conflict intensifies—but how far it goes.