June 24: Israel reportedly planned to hit key regime targets when Trump told PM not to strike

IDF downs 2 drones likely launched from Iran before ceasefire

Two drones launched from Iran at Israel were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force earlier this evening, the military says.

According to the IDF, the drones were shot down outside of Israel’s borders.

The military estimates that the drones were launched in the morning hours, at the same time as the ballistic missile barrages.

Drones take several hours to reach Israel from Iran.

Fourth vicitm of Beersheba missile strike identified as Naomi Shaanan

Naomi Shaanan (Tanya Zion Waldoks)

The fourth victim of the Beersheba missile attack by Iran this morning is identified as Naomi Shaanan.

Shaanan, a Beersheba resident, was well known in the city, taking part in daily protests calling for the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

נעמי שאנן ז"ל, נרצחה הבוקר בביתה בבאר שבע במתקפה האיראנית
עמדה מדי יום בנחישות למען השבת החטופים, למען הפסקת המלחמה ושמירה על ערך חיי אדם באשר הם
יהי זכרה ברוך, יהי שובם מורשתה🎗️💔🕊️

(📸 תניא ציון וולדקס Tanya Zion-Waldoks) pic.twitter.com/vqixwanVat

— משנים כיוון ↩️ (@change_dir_il) June 24, 2025

Trump administration will provide $30 million to Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza

Displaced Palestinian play in a tent camp in Gaza City, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The Trump administration is providing $30 million to an Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza, a US official said Tuesday.

The request is the first known US government funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s aid distribution efforts amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive diplomatic issue involving a controversial aid program, confirmed that the US authorized the funding.

The Associated Press reported Saturday that the American-led group had asked the Trump administration for the initial funding so it can continue its aid operation, which has been criticized by the UN, humanitarian groups and others.

Previous reports said the State Department had weighed giving as much as $500 million.

Video appears to show Iran’s Quds Force general at Tehran demo after reports he was killed in an Israeli strike

Video on social media appears to show the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force Gen. Esmail Qaani, mingling with crowds at a pro-regime demonstration in Tehran today.

The New York Times reported early in the war, without citing souirces, that Qaani was among the Iranian military leaders killed in Israeli strikes, although the IDF had not claimed to have targeted him.

Qaani is in charge of Iran’s proxies in the region.

It’s not the first time he has been falsely reported dead in an Israeli strike. In October, he was widely said to have been killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut that killed senior Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine.

תיעוד: איסמאעיל קאאני, מפקד כוח קודס במשמרות המהפכה, השתתף ב"חגיגות הניצחון" בטהראן – ובכך הזים את הדיווחים על חיסולו @OmerShahar123 pic.twitter.com/ieFP9atcxi

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) June 24, 2025

Early US intel assessment suggests strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, CNN reports; White House denies it

This combination of pictures created on June 14, 2025, shows a handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on June 14, 2025, of a closeup view the Natanz nuclear facilities near Ahmadabad in Iran, before an Israeli strike (top) and another closeup view taken on June 14, 2025, after an Israeli strike. (AFP Photo/ Satellite image ©2021 Maxar Technologies)

An early US intelligence assessment indicates that the US military strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last week did not destroy the core components of Tehran’s nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, CNN reports, citing three people briefed on it.

“This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong,” CNN quoted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying

Netanyahu claims ‘historic victory,’ says ‘we sent Iran’s nuclear program down the drain’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in a video address on June 24, 2025. (Screen capture/GPO)

In a video statement summing up Operation Rising Lion against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, “We achieved a historic victory.”

The victory will abide “for generations,” he says.

He says Israel removed “two existential threats — the threat of destruction via nuclear weapons and the threat of destruction via 20,000 ballistic missiles” that Iran was moving to build. Israel would have faced destruction in the near future “if we hadn’t acted now.”

US President Donald Trump “enlisted in an unprecedented fashion,” Netanyahu says, and thanks him for “his part in defending Israel, and removing the Iranian nuclear threat.”

Netanyahu says the historic development — US striking Iran in support of Israel — is “the fruit of a diplomatic campaign I led with [Strategic Affairs] Minister Ron Dermer.”

“Israel has never had a friend like President Trump in the White House, and I thank him greatly for our joint work,” says Netanyahu, hours after a livid Trump blasted Israel for violating the ceasefire with Iran.

US forces “destroyed” the underground Fordo enrichment site, he says, adding that “we sent Iran’s nuclear program down the drain.”

“If someone, if someone in Iran tries to restore that program, we will act with the same determination, the same power, to cut off any such attempt,” says Netanyahu.

“I repeat – Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Netanyahu boasts that Israel also destroyed Iran’s ballistic missile production program, much of its missile stocks, and most of its launchers.

Israel also “landed crushing blows on the evil regime” itself. He lauds the attack on Iran early this morning, before the ceasefire took effect, the same massive strike Trump raged against in front of the cameras this morning. He says Israel landed “the most severe blow in [the regime’s] history.”

Turning to Gaza, Netanyahu says, “We must defeat Hamas and bring back the hostages.”

Looking to the future, Netanyahu says that — with Iran’s axis in tatters — Israel will open an “axis of prosperity and peace of the nations of the region” and beyond.

Poll shows small post war popularity bump for Netanyahu and Likud, but no majority for his coalition

Left to right: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, July 26, 2024. (GPO); Opposition Leader Yair Lapid at the Knesset, Jerusalem, July 22, 2024. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90); head of the National Unity party Benny Gantz at a press conference at the Knesset on July 24, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90); former prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks at the annual Cyber Week, at Tel Aviv University, June 25, 2024. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

A poll taken after a ceasefire is agreed between Israel and Iran, ending 12 days of war that are largely viewed as a resounding success for Israel, sees Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party win a small bump in popularity, but not enough for his current coalition to come close to forming a majority.

The poll finds that the gain by Netanyahu’s Likud largely comes at the expense of his current coalition partners, and shows that the current pro-Netanyahu coalition bloc would win only 49 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. The opposition parties would win 61, while the Arab parties, who have largely stayed out of coalitions, have 10.

Channel 12 quotes sources close to Netanyahu as being disappointed with the results, saying he expected a larger bump due to the war. The poll results could scupper thoughts of calling a snap election, the report says.

The poll taken by Channel 12 gives Netanyahu’s Likud 26 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, up four from pre-war polls.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s nascent party would win 24 seats, and the left-wing The Democrats would take 12.

Current opposition leader Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid, the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox Shas and hawkish Yisrael Beytenu would all win nine seats.

The Ashkenazi Haredi party United Torah Judaism would win eight seats, Benny Gantz’s National Unity would win seven, while the far-right Otzma Yehudit would win six.

The poll finds that the two Arab parties Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am would each win five.

Asked who they would prefer for prime minister, the public chooses Netanyahu over Bennett for the first time this year with 38% saying Netanyahu and 35% picking Bennett. A further 21% said neither of them were suitable and 6% did not know.

Netanyahu also led by greater margins over other opposition leaders.

Israel does not choose the prime minister by direct election, but by which parties can put together a coalition.

Rubio discusses ‘next steps’ to promote peace between Iran and Israel with Italian counterpart

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed “next steps to promote a durable peace between Israel and Iran” during a phone call with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

The US has yet to publicly state whether it is still interested in signing a nuclear deal with Iran following today’s ceasefire between Jerusalem and Tehran.

Washington has said it has “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, while other assessments have determined that it is still intact, albeit set back by years.

US Vice President JD Vance appeared to acknowledge yesterday that Tehran may still be in possession of highly-enriched uranium, in what could still necessitate a deal to ensure that the Islamic Republic doesn’t try to rebuild its program.

Katz speaks to Hegseth, says Israel will uphold ceasefire with Iran

Defense Minister Israel Katz speaks with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and tells him that “Israel will respect the ceasefire — as long as the other side does.”

Writing on X several hours after US President Donald Trump laid into Israel for violating the nascent ceasefire with Iran, Katz says he thanked his American counterpart for Trump’s “bold decision to act with Israel against the Iranian nuclear threat.”

According to Katz, Hegseth “praised Israel and the IDF for the historic achievements made.”

Hard-hit Beersheba delays return of schools

People evacuating a building next to an apartment block hit by an Iranian missile, where several people were killed, in Beersheba, Israel, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich says schools will not open in the city tomorrow despite the Home Front Command lifting all restrictions.

The city was hit by several Iranian missiles in recent days, including one this morning that killed four people. The city’s main hospital was also hit.

Hundreds take to streets of Tehran in pro-regime demonstration

An Iranian woman holds a poster with portraits of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) and late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as people celebrate a ceasefire between Iran and Israel at Enghlab Square in the capital Tehran on June 24, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Hundreds of people take to the streets of Tehran after a ceasefire is announced between Israel and Iran to express their support for the regime.

The demonstrators wave Iranian flags, posters of the Supreme Leader  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and signs reading “down with the USA.”

Iranian authorities presented the halt in strikes as a “triumph that forced the enemy to regret, accept defeat and unilaterally cease its aggression.”

Those opposed to the regime appeared weary about taking to the streets.

Iranians contacted by Reuters, including some who oppose the Islamic Republic and have protested against it in the past, said the airstrikes had brought people to rally around national feeling in the face of what they saw as foreign aggression.

Still, for many Iranians, there is anger at the top ranks of the nation’s leadership, and for those returning home, the reality of a sanctions-hit economy remains.

“This is unacceptable. This is brutal. Why are we being attacked while the officials hide in safe places?” says Mohammad, 63, from Rasht.

“I place the blame on this country’s decision-makers. Their policies have brought war and destruction upon us,” he says by phone.

While Israel has repeatedly targeted both leaders and facilities of the internal security forces under the IRGC, state media has announced hundreds of arrests of people accused of spying.

Black security vehicles were seen on the streets of Tehran today and dissidents expressed fear of a coming crackdown by the authorities to ward off any attempt at mass protests.

Israel reportedly planned to strike 15 key regime targets when Trump told Netanyahu not to respond to Iran missiles this morning

An IAF pilot heads to her F-16 jet ahead of strikes on Iran in picture released June 24, 2025 (Israel Defense Forces)

Israel was reportedly planning to strike 15 “important regime targets” in response to Iran’s violation of the fresh ceasefire with missile fire at the north this morning, before President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to carry out the attack.

According to Channel 12 news, Trump told him to prevent the entire attack when they spoke by phone, Netanyahu ordered the planes held over the skies of Iran, and the Israeli “political echelon” sought one site that could be targeted “with no collateral damage.” Ultimately, a single radar target was struck.

Trump made clear to Netanyahu that he had to heed what he was saying, the report adds.

Channel 12 also notes that in a podcast today, Trump’s former key adviser Steve Bannon said that Trump’s public denunciation of Netanyahu, in which Trump said that Iran and Israel “don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing,” showed Trump as angry as he has ever seen him.

BANNON: Trump put his reputation on the line for Israel, and Netanyahu lied to his face.

He asked for a stand down, went to sleep, and woke up to betrayal.

If you truly support Israel, stop making excuses. Start asking hard questions. pic.twitter.com/uBwI6KojTC

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) June 24, 2025

“You have the gall,” said Bannon of Netanyahu. “When [Trump] said, ‘This is what I’ve done, and I need you to be a partner, I need you to stand down,’ first [Netanyahu] says ‘I can’t stop [the imminent strike],’ which is another lie of the many lies we’ve gotten from the Netanyahu government.

That’s why he’s furious. That’s as mad as I’ve ever seen the president of the United States,” Bannon said.

“Netanyahu goes on Israel TV and glazes him. Don’t glaze him. Don’t slobber all over [Trump]. It doesn’t mean anything. You showed what you really thought of him last night,” he added.

Iran president announces ‘end of 12-day war’

Iranians chant slogans and wave national flags as they celebrate a ceasefire between Iran and Israel at Enghlab Square in the capital Tehran on June 24, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announces the “end of the 12-day war” imposed by Israel, in a message to the nation carried by the official IRNA news agency.

“Today, after the heroic resistance of our great nation, whose determination makes history, we are witnessing the establishment of a truce and the ending of this 12-day war imposed by the adventurism and provocation” of Israel, Pezeshkian says.

IAEA says additional impacts from US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran may have caused localized contamination

This handout satellite picture provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on June 22, 2025, shows Iran's Fordo Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom, after US strikes on the site. (Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies / AFP)

The IAEA said it has identified additional impact points at the Fordo and Natanz nuclear sites, including possible localized contamination and chemical hazards.

“Regarding the additional strikes to Fordo that were reported early on Monday – after the U.S. bombing of the facility early on Sunday – the IAEA assesses that access roads close to the underground facility and one of its entrances were hit,” the statement read.

At Natanz, the IAEA said that it has identified “two impact holes from the U.S. strikes above the underground halls that had been used for enrichment as well as for storage.”

“Based on its knowledge of what these halls contained, the IAEA assesses that this strike may have caused localized contamination and chemical hazards,” it added.

Israel Airports Authority says Ben Gurion Airport returning to full operation

A nearly empty Ben Gurion Airport is seen after all flights were canceled following the start of Israeli strikes in Iran, on June 13, 2025. (Roy Alima/Flash90)

Israel’s main international Ben Gurion Airport is returning to full operation, following the Home Front Command decision to lift all restrictions, the Israel Airports Authority says.

“Restrictions on the number of incoming and outgoing flights, as well as the number of passengers on each flight, have been lifted,” the Israel Airports Authority says. “In addition, restrictions on the arrival of passengers and accompanying persons at the airports have been lifted.”

Starting tomorrow morning, duty-free shops at airports will resume operations in accordance with security and regulatory guidelines.

The Israel Airports Authority recommends that the public follow airline announcements and receive the most up-to-date information regarding flight schedules.

Netanyahu said considering trip to Washington in wake of Iran campaign

US President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he leaves the West Wing of the White House, April 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Mark Schiefelbein)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a visit to the US in the wake of the operation against Iran, the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14 reports.

An Israeli diplomat in Washington told The Times of Israel that they were unaware of any such plans.

Home Front Command lifts all restrictions on gatherings, school and work places

The beach in Tel Aviv as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran begins, June 24, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The IDF Home Front Command has lifted all restrictions on gatherings, schools, and workplaces, as the ceasefire with Iran appears to hold.

The move comes following a fresh assessment.

There will be no restrictions on gatherings in most areas of the country, workplaces can open, and schools may resume, Home Front Command says.

In some communities on the Gaza border, gatherings are limited to 2,000, a restriction that had existed before the war with Iran.

IDF chief hails ‘phenomenal achievement,’ but says ‘campaign against Iran is not over’

L-R: Intelligence Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Assistant to the Chief of Staff Col. Alon Laniado, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk, during an assessment at the IDF's underground command center, June 24, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Amid the ceasefire with Iran, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says that “despite the phenomenal achievement, we must keep our feet on the ground. Many challenges lie ahead. We must remain focused; there is no time to rest on our laurels.”

“We have concluded a significant chapter, but the campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase, one that builds upon the achievements of the current operation. We have set Iran’s nuclear project back by years, and the same goes for its missile program,” Zamir says during an assessment, according to remarks provided by the IDF.

“Now, the focus returns to Gaza, to bringing the hostages home and toppling Hamas rule,” he adds.

Third victim of Beersheba missile attack identified as Michal Zacks

Michal Zacks (Courtesy)

The third victim of the Iranian missile attack in Beersheba this morning has been identified as Michal Zacks, 50.

Two other victims were previously identified as her son, off-duty IDF soldier Eitan Zacks, and his girlfriend, Noa Boguslavsky.

The fourth victim has yet to be identified.

Iran still has ‘tactical capability’ to threaten US, military official says

People film projectiles over Doha in Qatar on June 23, 2025, amid an Iranian attack on the largest US military base in the region. (AFP)

A top US military official says Iran still possesses “significant tactical capability” despite an American strike over the weekend on three of the country’s nuclear sites.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper tells lawmakers that that capability was demonstrated by Iran’s limited retaliatory missile strike on a US military base in Qatar.

In response to a question about whether Iran still poses a threat to US troops and Americans around the world, he replies, “They do.”

Cooper is currently the deputy commander of the US Central Command. He made the remarks at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing as the panel considers his nomination for the position of commander of Central Command.

Iran says its not seeking nuclear weapons but will assert ‘legitimate rights’

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says that his country was not seeking nuclear weapons but will continue to defend its “legitimate rights” as a ceasefire took hold with Israel.

“We expect you to explain to them, in your dealings with the United States, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is only seeking to assert its legitimate rights,” Pezeshkian says during a phone call with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, according to the official IRNA news agency.

He adds that Iran was “ready to resolve the issues… at the negotiating table.”

Slain hostage Yonatan Samerano laid to rest; Herzog: There can be no victory until all the hostages are home

Mourners attend the funeral of slain Israeli hostage Jonathan Samerano, 22, on June 24, 2025, at the Nahalat Yitzhak cemetery in Tel Aviv. (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)

Slain hostage Yonatan Samerano, whose body was recovered from Gaza earlier this week, is laid to rest in Tel Aviv.

The bodies of three slain hostages, Ofra Keidar, Samerano, and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, were recovered in a joint military and Shin Bet operation from the Gaza Strip on Sunday.

Hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Samerano, 22, who was attending the Nova music festival when the Hamas onslaught began. He fled to Be’eri with two friends, where they were murdered, and his body was abducted.

Among those eulogizing Samerano was President Isaac Herzog, who asked forgiveness for the state’s failures

“Forgiveness that the State of Israel did not protect you. Forgiveness that we did not manage to rescue you from the hands of the murderers. Forgiveness that it took so long to bring you back from the clutches of these human monsters,” Herzog says.

“At this turbulent and historic moment, I remind us all: there is no true and complete victory until the last of our hostages returns,” he says.

Iran president says Israel, US ‘cannot impose unjust aspirations by force’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says that Israel and the United States “cannot impose unjust aspirations by force,” as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel took hold after 12 days of fighting.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran was forced into the military conflict to defend itself, and I hope that we will never be forced to fight again,” Pezeshkian says during a phone call with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Syrian forces say Damascus blast was a controlled explosion

Syrian security forces detonated leftover munitions as part of a training exercise in the capital, Damascus, a security source says, creating an explosion that was heard across the city.

The source from Syria’s General Security Service, which is broadly responsible for security matters, tells Reuters no one was wounded in the controlled blast.

Residents had heard a loud blast and saw a plume of smoke rising in the western neighborhoods of the city early this evening.

Victim of Beersheba missile attack identified as 12th grader Noa Boguslavsky

Noa Boguslavsky (Courtesy)

One of the victims of this morning’s Iranian missile attack on Beersheba is identified as 12th grader Noa Boguslavsky.

Boguslavsky, a resident of the city of Arad, was visiting her boyfriend, off-duty IDF soldier Eitan Zacks, who was also killed in the strike, Hebrew media reports.

Arad Mayor Yair Maayan says that “Noa was a member of the Arad family, a young girl just starting her journey, and the pain of her passing is felt throughout the city.”

“The city of Arad embraces the family at this difficult time and sends warmth and strength to overcome the difficult days ahead.

Four people were killed in the strike.

Trump says Israel and Iran ‘equally’ wanted to end their war.

US President Donald Trump says both Israel and Iran “equally” wanted to end their war.

“It was my great honor to destroy all nuclear facilities and capability, and then, stop the war,” he writes on Truth Social.

( @realDonaldTrump – Truth Social Post )
( Donald J. Trump – Jun 24, 2025, 11:17 AM ET )

Both Israel and Iran wanted to stop the War, equally! It was my great honor to Destroy All Nuclear facilities & capability, and then, STOP THE WAR! pic.twitter.com/IFPVdH0UOH

— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 TRUTH POSTS (@TruthTrumpPosts) June 24, 2025

Explosion heard in Syrian capital; cause unclear

A large blast was heard in Damascus and smoke could be seen rising on the western edges of the city, Reuters reporters and witnesses said.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.

Documentation from Damascus pic.twitter.com/1EUmdO9yq1

— DeepState Illuminate (@TheDeep_State6) June 24, 2025

Transportation minister says Israel aiming to fully reopen airspace, several foreign airlines ask to resume flights

Transportation Minister Miri Regev visits the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage in Beersheba, June 24, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Transportation Minister Miri Regev says Israel is advancing a plan to fully open its airspace by increasing the number of flights, extending airport operating hours, and bringing back foreign carriers.

“I have instructed the Israel Airports Authority to prepare for the final phase of the safe return operation,” says Regev. “The plan will be implemented subject to two conditions: lifting of Home Front Command restrictions and coordination with security and intelligence agencies.”

“Today, 24 flights will land at Ben Gurion Airport, and 9 flights in Haifa, while this morning, a Mano cruise arrived with 1,900 Israelis,” Regev says.

From the beginning of the safe return operation until the end of today, more than 100,000 Israelis out of an estimated 150,000 will have returned home, and about 70,000 passengers will have departed, according to Regev.

Looking ahead, Regev encourages the public to prepare and make plans for the summer months.

“Those who planned flights for June, July and August can continue to prepare and enjoy their vacation – Israeli citizens can leave the country and return safely,” Regev emphasizes. “I call on Israeli carriers to act fairly, set reasonable prices and be alert to the plight of Israeli passengers.”

Regev says that a number of foreign airlines have already applied to resume their flight operations to Israel, including flydubai, Etihad Airways, Blue Bird, TUS Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.

“We will also speak to additional foreign airlines,” said Regev. “However, many foreign carriers have already scheduled summer flight routes in advance, so at this stage we will rely mainly on the Israeli fleet of aircraft.”

Hanegbi: Israel in direct daily contact with Syria, exploring normalization

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi arrives for a court hearing in the trial against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not in picture), at the District Court in Jerusalem on March 5, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi says that Israel and the Syrian regime are in direct daily contact and are discussing the possibility of normalization, Israel Hayom reports.

Hanegbi today confirms comments he made during a classified session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday, saying “There is direct daily dialogue at all levels between Israel and the regime in Syria. I am leading it with political officials there,” the Hebrew outlet reports.

Hanegbi told the committee that Syria and Lebanon are candidates for the Abraham Accords normalization agreements, the paper reports.

When asked whether Israel had agreed to withdraw the IDF from buffer zones in Syria as part of these efforts, Hanegbi responds: “If there is normalization, we’ll examine this,” but clarified that “we will not withdraw from the Syrian Hermon.”

Hanegbi’s comments confirm recent foreign reports that Israel has been engaged in direct dialogue with Syria to calm border tensions and prevent conflict with new Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa. He revealed that the conversation is not limited to military channels, but also includes direct diplomatic engagement, the report adds.

When asked in the committee meeting how he responds to IDF intelligence assessments that Sharaa has not parted ideologically from his past ties to jihadist terror groups, Hanegbi replied: “We are evaluating it. Sharaa is being shaped as things move forward.”

IDF says off-duty soldier among the dead in Beersheba missile attack

Cpl. Eitan Zacks (Israel Defense Forces)

An off-duty Israeli soldier was killed in this morning’s Iranian ballistic missile attack on Beersheba, the IDF announces.

He is named as Cpl. Eitan Zacks, 18, a trainee in the elite Multidomain Unit, from Beersheba.

Zacks was killed in his home along with two family members. A fourth person was killed in an adjacent apartment.

Zacks was at home because a paramedics course he was participating in was being held remotely, due to the security situation.

A total of 28 people were killed in Iran’s ballistic missile attacks since June 13. All apart from Zacks were civilians.

Iran says it’s started rebuilding facilities damaged in Israel strikes

Footage posted to social media shows the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Tehran on June 23, 2025 (X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Iran says it had begun efforts to rebuild residential areas and public infrastructure damaged in Israeli strikes over 12 days.

“We witnessed attacks on residential areas, as well as on scientific centers, research institutes, healthcare facilities and civilians… therefore we are facing a major task ahead in terms of reconstruction,” government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani tells state TV, adding that the authorities have begun to assess the extent of the damage.

Israel says it targeted Iranian military leaders, nuclear scientists, nuclear facilities and Iran’s missile program, along with other state institutions.

Gaza aid group complains IDF harassing its convoys

A Palestinian girl reacts as people queue at a food distribution point in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, on June 23, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has issued a complaint to the Israeli military over “possible harassment by Israeli soldiers directed at our convoys” heading to the Wadi Gaza site, says the US- and Israeli-backed organization in a statement.

The GHF opened three sites today — two in southern Gaza, and the Wadi Gaza site in the central Strip — and distributed 34,500 boxes of food, according to the organization’s own figures.

GHF says its boxes contain enough food for 5.5 people for 3.5 days, but the contents are dry food products that need to be prepared elsewhere in war-ravaged Gaza, where community kitchens and cooking supplies are limited.

Lapid hails operation against Iran, says we must ‘turn the military victory into a diplomatic victory’

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, June 22, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

On the first day of a rocky ceasefire between Jerusalem and Tehran, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid lauds the success of Israel’s operation against Iran and calls for further diplomatic efforts.

“Operation Rising Lion against Iran is one of the most glorious campaigns in the history of wars,” says Lapid in a video statement.

Lapid thanks Israeli security forces and, with a slight nod, “the government” for carrying out the mission.

He notes that “we paid heavy prices,” including four casualties in this morning’s Iranian missile attack on Beersheba, but says “the nation of Israel remained united around the goal.”

Now, he says, “we must turn the military victory into a diplomatic victory,” by aiming for a resolution that will guarantee that Iran never becomes a nuclear power and dismantle its missile capabilities, as well as reach a deal to “return the hostages, end the war in Gaza, and set Israel on a new path.”

Medical officials say 28 people were killed, over 3,000 wounded by Iranian missiles during conflict

Illustrative: A rescue worker carries two children as residents evacuate from the site where a missile launched from Iran struck Haifa, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

As a ceasefire between Israel and Iran takes effect, Israeli medical officials say a total of 28 people were killed and over 3,000 were wounded by Iranian attacks.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it declared 28 people dead, the latest four just this morning, and treated 17 others seriously wounded, 29 moderately hurt, 872 in good condition, and another 401 suffering acute anxiety amid the attacks.

The Health Ministry provides different numbers, saying a total of 3,238 people were hospitalized during the 12-day war — 23 seriously, 111 moderately, 2,933 lightly, 138 suffering acute anxiety, and another 30 whose conditions have not been determined.

Several people were brought to hospitals by other rescue organizations or self-evacuated.

Iran launched some 550 ballistic missiles and around 1,000 drones at Israel during the war, most of which were intercepted, according to the IDF.

At least 31 ballistic missile impacts were reported in populated areas, and just one drone struck a home.

Additionally, authorities have said more than 9,000 people were displaced from homes damaged and destroyed.

Iran says another top nuclear scientist was killed overnight as he hid at his in-laws

A high-profile Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in an Israeli strike, Iran state TV says, making him the latest in a list of top atomic experts who are said to have been killed in Israeli attacks over the last 12 days.

Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, who the US State Department had sanctioned last month, was killed at his father-in-law’s residence in an early-morning strike in northern Iran, according to the report.

It adds that three projectiles had hit the residence, and an earlier round of strikes had killed his 17-year-old son on June 13.

The Council on Foreign Relations on Monday said that Israeli strikes had killed at least 10 nuclear scientists since the Israel-Iran war broke out. The US State Department last month described Sedighi Saber as the head of Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research’s Shahid Karimi Group, which works on explosives-related projects, adding that he was “linked to projects including research and testing applicable to the development of nuclear explosive devices.”

Mohammad-Reza Seddiqi Saber, the Iranian nuclear scientist who was assassinated tonight
Early morning Iran#IranIsraelConflict #Iran #Israel#MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/espbUCJS3a

— Neeraj (@hineeraj28) June 24, 2025

Iran president says will respect ceasefire if Israel does

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says that it will respect a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump provided that Israel also upholds its terms.

“If the Zionist regime does not violate the ceasefire, Iran will not violate it either,” Pezeshkian says during a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to the presidency’s website.

Trump says China can continue to buy Iranian oil

US. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding the Marine One presidential helicopter and departing the White House on June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP)

China can continue to buy Iranian oil, US President Donald Trump says in what appeared to be relief for Tehran from sanctions Washington has previously imposed to punish the trade.

“China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also,” Trump writes in a post on his Truth Social platform as he traveled to a NATO summit in The Hague.

El Al preparing massive scale-up of operations, repatriation flights after ceasefire

An El Al flight takes off at the Ben Gurion International Airport, outside of Tel Aviv, June 19, 2025. ( Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

El Al is preparing to operate an air train to return tens of thousands of passengers to Israel, following the ceasefire agreement with Iran and amid plans for the gradual resumption of operations at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

El Al is readying to expand its flight schedule to and from Israel starting today, and will operate its fleet of aircraft around the clock to add thousands of seats in the coming 24 hours.

Israel’s flagship carrier will ramp up the frequency of flights to eight destinations where most El Al passengers are stranded — Larnaca, Athens, Rome, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Bangkok. In addition, El Al will start to operate repatriation flights from Budapest and Bucharest tonight.

Once the assignment of El Al passengers on repatriation flights is complete, the carrier will open sales of tickets to the general public.

El Al has set fixed prices for one-way incoming flights for those who are not El Al passengers, which are valid until the end of June. The flights from Los Angeles went on sale today on the El Al website and through travel agents.

Netanyahu holding urgent consultation with top ministers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding an urgent conference call with the small group of ministers and aides who have been making crucial decisions on Israel’s ongoing wars, the office of one of the ministers tells The Times of Israel.

The consultation comes after a deadly Iranian missile strikes, and a scaled-down Israeli response in the wake of harsh criticism by US President Donald Trump of both sides for violating the ceasefire.

IDF says 79 aid trucks went into Gaza yesterday

Palestinians walk back, carrying parcels collected from a food aid distribution point set up by the privately-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on the Salaheddin road, at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on June 24, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP)

Yesterday, 79 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announces.

Israel resumed aid deliveries to Gaza on May 19, after a pause since March 2. Since then, 2,033 trucks have entered the Strip.

The aid underwent an inspection by Israeli authorities before entering Gaza via the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.

Iran arrests European national over alleged spying for Israel

The Revolutionary Guards say they have arrested a European citizen who entered Iran as a tourist and went to southern Hormozgan province to gather intelligence at sensitive and military sites, the semi-official news agency Tasnim reports.

It gives no details on the person’s nationality.

Fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire should get parties back to negotiating table, EU’s Kallas says

The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas speaks at a press conference, following an informal video conference of EU foreign ministers to address the situation in the Middle East, in Brussels on June 17, 2025. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP)

The fragile announced halt in fighting between Israel and Iran is good news and should make all parties return to the negotiating table, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says.

“All sides should refrain from further violence. This is the moment to return to the negotiating table,” Kallas says in a post on X.

Iranian media says paramilitary Basij force senior commander killed in earlier Israeli strike

Members of Iranian paramilitary forces (Basij) pull boxes symbolising Israeli coffins, during an anti-Israeli rally to show their solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people, in Tehran, January 10, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

Iranian media reports that an Israeli strike the day before had killed a senior commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“The commander of Basij counterintelligence protection forces was martyred in a Zionist regime attack,” the Fars news agency said, citing a statement from the IRGC.

Trump says he’s opposed to regime change in Iran, says it will bring ‘chaos’

US President Donald Trump gestures as he boards the Air Force One at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on June 24, 2025, to attend the NATO's Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

US President Donald Trump says he opposes regime change in Iran after indicating that he could back it just two days ago.

Trump tells reporters aboard Air Force One en route to The Netherlands that regime change would cause “chaos.”

Two days ago, Trump posted on Truth Social, “if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???MIGA!!!””

The White House then sought to backtrack, saying that it’s a matter for the Iranian people to decide and is not a goal of the US military.

Netanyahu puts a glossy spin on conversation with Trump: President ‘expressed his immense appreciation for Israel’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, speaks alongside US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 7, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images via AFP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirms that he spoke with US President Donald Trump, but puts a far more positive gloss on the call than the version unnamed White House officials have been offering reporters.

“In the conversation,” says the Prime Minister’s Office, “President Trump expressed his immense appreciation for Israel – which achieved all of its war goals. The president also expressed his confidence in the stability of the ceasefire.”

Shortly before their call, Trump blasted Israel for striking Iran in force after the impending ceasefire was announced, and for responding to Iranian missile attacks after the truce went into effect.

“Following President Trump’s conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel refrained from further attacks,” says the PMO.

Trump warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in “exceptionally firm” terms not to retaliate against Iran’s violation of the US-brokered ceasefire, a White House source told Axios.

Netanyahu’s office also lays out the timeline of Iranian missile attacks and its own response.

It stresses that the ceasefire was set for 7 a.m., and four hours earlier, “Israel attacked forcefully in the heart of Tehran, hitting regime targets and killing hundreds of Basij and Iranian security forces.”

“Shortly before the ceasefire went into effect, Iran launched a barrage of missiles, one of which claimed the lives of four of our citizens in Beersheba,” continues the statement.

“At 7:06 a.m., Iran launched one missile into Israeli territory and at 10:25 a.m., two more missiles. The missiles were intercepted or fell in open areas without casualties or damage. In response to Iran’s violations, the Air Force destroyed a radar array near Tehran.”

Report: Trump told Netanyahu in ‘exceptionally firm’ terms not to retaliate against Iran’s missile fire

US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Marine One before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 24, 2025 (Mandel NGAN / AFP)

US President Donald Trump told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in “exceptionally firm” terms not to retaliate against Iran’s violation of a US-brokered ceasefire today, a White House source tells Axios.

After publicly condemning both Israel and Iran for what he considered violations of the truce, Trump said he would try to stop Israel’s response. Over the phone with Netanyahu, Trump expressed in “an exceptionally firm and direct way” his disapproval of the Israeli retaliation strike, which was about to be carried out by fighter jets in Iran.

“The president told Netanyahu what needed to happen to sustain the ceasefire. The prime minister understood the severity of the situation and the concerns President Trump expressed,” the Washington source tells the news outlet.

While Trump insisted on Israel not carrying out an attack at all, Netanyahu told his American counterpart that canceling the strike was not possible and that Israel had to respond somehow to Iran’s violation.

Ultimately, the two sides agreed on a much more limited strike, hitting only one target and canceling a large number of others, according to Axios.

Germany’s Merz: ‘The moment has come’ for ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses delegates at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) on June 24, 2025 in Berlin, prior on the upcoming NATO and EU summits. (John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that “the moment has come” for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian terror group Hamas.

Speaking to parliament, Merz reiterates Germany’s support for Israel, which he says “has a right to defend its existence and the safety of its citizens.”

But he adds that Germany reserves the right to “critically question what Israel wants to achieve in the Gaza Strip.”

He also says that Germany “will not consider suspending or terminating” the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been under review by the EU as the bloc looks to pressure Israel into allowing more aid into Gaza.

However, Merz also calls on Israel to ensure “humane treatment of the people in the Gaza Strip, especially women, children and the elderly.”

Herzog: Missile attack on Beersheba was ‘specifically to kill people living ordinary lives’

President Isaac Herzog (C) and his wife Michal at the scene of a ballistic missile strike in Beersheba on June 24, 2025 (Avi Kaner/GPO)

Earlier today, President Isaac Herzog visited the site of a missile impact in Beersheba following this morning’s attack by Iran, the president’s office says in a statement.

Herzog toured the area of the southern city where an Iranian missile hit an apartment building, killing four residents and injuring at least 22 others, and causing damage to surrounding homes and a kindergarten.

“That missile, which is one of the heaviest missiles in the Iranian arsenal, way above 400 kilos, landed here specifically to kill women, children, the elderly, people living ordinary lives,” Herzog told media at the scene.

‘I gotta get Israel to calm down now’: Transcript of Trump’s remarks castigating Israel’s latest actions

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Here’s a transcript of much of what US President Donald Trump just said when speaking to reporters and answering their questions on the White House lawn:

“I’m not happy that Israel’s going out now. There was one rocket that I guess was fired overboard [by Iran]. It was after the time limit, and it missed its target. And now Israel’s going out. These guys gotta calm down. Ridiculous…”

“I didn’t like plenty of things I saw yesterday. I didn’t like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal. They didn’t have to unload. And I didn’t like the fact that… The [Iranian] retaliation was very strong. But in all fairness, Israel unloaded a lot.”

“And now I hear that Israel just went out because they felt [the deal] was violated by one rocket that didn’t land anywhere. That’s not what we want, I’ll tell you. And I’m telling you, I’m not happy about that, Israel, either.”

“All I do is play both sides.”

“We have to have Israel calm down, because they went on a mission this morning. I gotta get Israel to calm down now.”

“I think they both violated [the ceasefire]. I’m not sure they did it intentionally. They couldn’t bring people back. I don’t like the fact that Israel went out this morning at all. I’m going to see if I can stop it.”

President Trump on Israel and Iran: "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing." pic.twitter.com/xrztmebALZ

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025

“[Iran’s nuclear program] has been completely demolished. Those B-2 pilots did an unbelievable job… Those pilots hit their targets. Those targets were obliterated. … Iran will never rebuild its nuclear… That place [Fordo] is under rock. That place is demolished… That place is gone… Take a look at the pin pricks.”

“Yeah I do [believe that Iran is still committed to the deal]. They violated. But Israel violated too…|

“Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen before. The biggest load that we’ve seen. I’m not happy with Israel. You know, when I say, okay, now you have 12 hours, you don’t go out in the first hour and just drop everything you have on them. So I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either. But I’m really unhappy if Israel is going out this morning because of one rocket that didn’t land, that was shot, perhaps by mistake, that didn’t land. I’m not happy about that. ”

“You know what? We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing. Do you understand that?”

US President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One, after speaking to reporters, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 24, 2025. (Mandel NGAN / AFP)

Report: Israeli official says Trump vowed Israel won’t strike, ‘after he knew we’d attack’

Trump was sending out posts on his Truth Social platform promising that Israel will not strike Iran “after he knew we would attack,” an Israeli official tells the Kan public broadcast.

Israeli officials confirmed that the IAF struck an Iranian radar site north of Tehran, after Iran fired two ballistic missiles at Israel after a ceasefire had taken effect.

After Trump and Netanyahu speak, IAF carries out small strike on Iranian radar in response to ballistic missile attack; most Israeli jets turn back

The Israeli Air Force carried out a small strike against an Iranian radar north of Tehran a short while ago, Israeli officials confirm.

The strike comes in response to Iran’s launch of two ballistic missiles at Israel after the start of a ceasefire this morning.

US President Donald Trump had instructed in a post on Truth Social: “Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now.”

Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then held a call, during which they reportedly agreed that one “symbolic” target would be struck in response to Iran’s ceasefire violation. In a later post, Trump said Israel would not attack Iran but would do a “friendly plane wave.”

عاجل| طيران الاحتلال يقصف موقعا في العاصمة الإيرانية طهران. pic.twitter.com/QLzA6C7eZs

— شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) June 24, 2025

Israel scaled down its reprisal strike on Iran following the Trump-Netanyahu call, with most fighter jets turning around. It is unclear how extensive a strike Israel was initially planning.

Amazon halts orders from Israel amid restricted air travel

The Amazon logo in Santa Monica, California, September 6, 2012. (Reed Saxon/AP)

Online retailer giant Amazon has updated consumers in Israel that it is halting new orders as the country’s airspace has remained largely closed since the start of the Iran conflict on June 13.

“Due to local restrictions beyond our control, we cannot accept new orders or provide delivery to your area at this time,” Amazon says on its website. “We will resume services as soon as conditions allow.”

Since the start of the Iran conflict, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has remained largely closed for both arrivals and departures of commercial flights, as well as incoming and outgoing cargo flights.

In recent days, Israeli airlines were permitted to operate restricted daily repatriation flights to bring Israelis back home and help those stranded in the country leave.

Following a ceasefire agreement that came into effect earlier this morning, Israel is preparing for a full resumption of services at Ben Gurion Airport and a gradual return of flight services, subject to approval by the defense establishment.

Trump insists Israel won’t attack Iran: ‘All planes will turn around and head home’

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, June 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Writing on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump insists that “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran.”

Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, said that Israel would respond in force to a ballistic missile Iran launched this morning after a ceasefire went into effect, a development that infuriated Trump.

“All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran,” Trump writes. “Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect! Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

President Trump: "ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly “Plane Wave” to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!" pic.twitter.com/ULVXvFgl6q

— Wladimir van Wilgenburg (@vvanwilgenburg) June 24, 2025

Netanyahu, Trump speak after US president expresses anger over planned Israeli strike

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump are speaking by phone after the US president expressed his anger at Israel for preparing to strike Iran in response to a violation of the incipient ceasefire between the two countries, according to Israeli media outlets.

Israel is leaning toward carrying out the attack, according to the reports.

Israeli officials indicate that a “symbolic” strike is likely.

Trump: ‘Iran, Israel have been fighting so long they don’t know what the f**k they’re doing’

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press before boarding Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 24, 2025, to attend the NATO's Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague. (Mandel NGAN / AFP)

A visibly furious US President Donald Trump blasts Israel for its strikes after he announced a ceasefire would be starting in the coming hours, and for now preparing airstrikes in response to an Iranian missile fired after the truce went into effect.

Before stepping on to his helicopter to head from the White House to the NATO summit in The Netherlands, Trump tells reporters, “we basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they “don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing.”

He says he believes Iran is still dedicated to peace: “I do. They violated, but Israel violated it too.”

“Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen before,” says Trump.

President Trump on Israel and Iran: "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing." pic.twitter.com/xrztmebALZ

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025

“I’m not happy with Israel,” he continues. “You know, when I say you have 12 hours, you don’t just go in the first hours and say you’re going to drop everything you have on them.”

“So I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either. But I’m really unhappy if Israel’s going out there this morning, because of one rocket that didn’t land, that was shot, perhaps by mistake, that didn’t land. I’m not happy about that.”

It is not clear what Trump is referring to in saying Israel violated the ceasefire, though he seems to be referring to the aforementioned intense overnight strikes, and not alleging that it fired after 7 a.m., the ostensible start time of the truce.

Trump: ‘I need Israel to calm down. Do not drop those bombs. Bring your pilots home, now!’

US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Marine One before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 24, 2025 (Mandel NGAN / AFP)

US President Donald Trump says that both Israel and Iran violated a ceasefire he announced overnight, and that Israel needed to turn its planes around and not strike Tehran in response to ballistic missile fire.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump says Israel “unloaded” right after agreeing to the deal overnight. “They didn’t have to unload,” he says.

“Now Israel is going out [to strike Iran] because of one rocket that didn’t land anywhere,” he says.

A short time later, Trump writes on social media that Israel must turn its planes around. Israel had said it would “forcefully strike the heart of Tehran” after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel after the start of the ceasefire.

“I gotta get Israel to calm down now,” he says. “I’m gonna see if I can stop it.”

“Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now! Donald J. Trump, president of the United States,” he writes on Truth Social.

It is not clear what Trump is referring to in saying Israel violated the ceasefire, though he seems to be referring to the aforementioned intense overnight strikes, and not alleging that it fired after 7 a.m., the ostensible start time of the truce.

Israel’s most recent strikes in Iran targeted missile launchers primed to fire during early morning barrages between 5 a.m.-7 a.m. The Israel Defense Forces says that the action resulted in the salvos being less severe.

Prior to that, Israel carried out intense strikes in the hours after Trump announced the truce but before the supposed 7 a.m. start time.

Qatari PM says he hopes Israel, Hamas will restart hostage-ceasefire talks in coming days

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani speaks at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on May 20, 2025. (Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

Qatar’s prime minister says that he hopes indirect talks will be held in the coming days between Israel and Hamas as part of a renewed push to reach a hostage-ceasefire deal.

“Regarding the Gaza talks, discussions are ongoing with both the Israeli side and Hamas in an effort to reach an agreement based on the American draft,” says Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, without giving details on what the proposal involves.

“We had achieved a lot in the past, but the Israeli escalation against Iran disrupted the process. However, we are still continuing our efforts, inshallah, and we are trying to find an opportunity in the next day or two for indirect talks between the sides to reach an agreement,” he says.

There is no immediate comment from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The war in Gaza was sparked by the Hamas onslaught on October 7, 2023, in which thousands of terrorists killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023. They include the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the IDF. Twenty are believed to be alive and there are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said. Hamas is also holding the body of an IDF soldier killed in Gaza in 2014.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 53,000 people in the Strip have been killed or are presumed dead in the fighting so far, though the toll cannot be verified and does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. Israel says it has killed some 20,000 combatants in battle as of January and another 1,600 terrorists inside Israel during the October 7 onslaught.

Merz hopes US, Israeli strikes on Iran permanently blocked Tehran’s nuclear goals

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses delegates at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) on June 24, 2025 in Berlin, prior on the upcoming NATO and EU summits. (John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says that he hopes Israel and the United States’ actions in Iran will permanently dissuade Tehran from pursuing its goals for nuclear weapons.

“Not only Israel, but also Europe and the world as a whole are threatened by this Iranian nuclear program,” Merz tells lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in The Hague this week, Merz warns that the conflict with Iran must not be allowed to plunge the region into war and says Berlin is taking all possible diplomatic efforts to that end.

Odeh: Likud MK’s implication that I’m a security threat is incitement to murder

Hadash-Ta’al leader Ayman Odeh (C) speaks with fellow party MKs outside a Knesset House Committee hearing on his potential impeachment, June 24, 2025. (Sam Sokol/Times of Israel)

During an impeachment hearing against him in the Knesset House Committee, Hadash-Ta’al chief Ayman Odeh complains that he is being investigated by legislators while there is still no state commission of inquiry into the government’s failure on October 7.

He also pushes back against committee chairman Ofir Katz’s claim that he constitutes a security threat.

“While the soldiers are fighting on seven fronts, the eighth front needs to be cleared, and Ayman Odeh is our eighth front… He is continuously working to weaken the State of Israel, to discredit it, to undermine it and to strengthen its enemies,” Katz said.

In response, Odeh asserts, “To say that I am the eighth front is incitement to murder.”

During the hearing, attorney Hassan Jabareen argues that “this procedural process is illegal and must be rejected outright. MK Odeh’s [statement], which is currently at the heart of the discussion and concerns the exchange deal, is completely legal – and there is no political or legal problem with it.”

Today’s hearing is to determine whether or not to impeach Odeh for a statement he made appearing to equate Israeli hostages with Palestinian security prisoners.

Odeh tells the committee he will not retract even one word of his statement.

The Arab lawmaker drew outrage from lawmakers across the political spectrum on January 19 after saying that he was “happy for the release of the hostages and prisoners” as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

“Now we must free both peoples from the yoke of occupation. We were all born free,” Odeh posted on X, as three Israeli women who were kidnapped by terrorists during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre were released from the Gaza Strip after over 15 months in captivity.

Odeh later defended his statement, characterizing the released Palestinian prisoners as minors and insisting that “most of the prisoners released that day were not charged with anything at all.”

Many of those Palestinians released were in administrative detention, a controversial tool used by Israeli security forces almost exclusively against Arab Israelis and Palestinians, in which they are detained without due process.

While none of those released were charged with murder, several were behind non-deadly terror attack.

According to Basic Law: The Knesset, 90 Knesset members may vote to expel a colleague who expressed support “for an armed struggle” against the State of Israel. Once 70 signatures are collected, the matter is referred to the Knesset House Committee and, if approved there, goes to the plenum for a vote.

Zion Miara, husband of AG, dies after suffering from ALS for many years

Zion Miara, the husband of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, passed away after suffering from ALS for many years, his family announces.

His funeral will take place tomorrow in Yavne.

Miara served in the Shin Bet before becoming ill.

Several politicians send their condolences to the attorney general, including Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, as well as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who says that Miara “dedicated the majority of his years, and the best of them, to Israel’s security.”

Prisoners at Tehran’s Evin prison ‘transferred’ after Israeli strike on gate

Iran’s prison authority has “transferred” prisoners out of the notorious Evin prison after it was hit by Israeli strikes, the Iranian judiciary says.

The prison authority “transferred the inmates who were serving their sentences in this prison to other facilities within Tehran province… to safeguard the rights of the prisoners and to provide space for emergency response teams,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website says

Local media reports the process had been completed, but it is not clear how many prisoners were transferred.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said yesterday that an Israeli airstrike hit the gate of Tehran’s Evin Prison, a large and heavily fortified complex where Iran has incarcerated political prisoners, journalists, academics, human rights activists, foreign nationals and others.

Iranian state television shared what appeared to be black-and-white-surveillance footage of the strike.

The prison is infamous among activists for torture and rights abuses.

Iran’s judiciary said Israeli strikes left sections of the facility damaged.

There were no immediate reports of prisoners hurt in the strike, which was apparently intended to allow the detainees to escape the facility.

There was no confirmation from the IDF of the strike on the facility.

Evin Prison’s gate has been blown open—by the IDF.

The regime’s most feared symbol of repression—hit.
For 45 years, political prisoners and Iran’s greatest minds have been tortured, silenced, and murdered there.

Today, that gate fell.
The Islamic Republic is cracking.
Let it… pic.twitter.com/7ZKbug0P3N

— Matthew Nouriel (@MatthewNouriel) June 23, 2025

Odeh speaks in Arabic at Knesset panel on his potential impeachment; far-right MK: ‘Terrorist’

Likud MK Tally Gotliv and other coalition lawmakers yell at Hadash-Ta’al leader Ayman Odeh after he begins speaking in Arabic during a hearing discussing his potential impeachment.

“Don’t speak Arabic,” yells Gotliv. “Terrorist,” shouts far-right Otzma Yehudit MK Limor Son Har-Melech.

In response, Odeh rails against the “fascist right” which, he says, is curtailing freedom of speech in Israel, while Ra’am MK Waleed Taha yells at Otzma Yehudit’s Yitzhak Kroizer, accusing him of supporting terrorism.

Today’s hearing is to determine whether or not to impeach Odeh for a statement he made appearing to equate Israeli hostages held in Gaza with Palestinian security prisoners.

There is no legal bar to addressing the Knesset in Arabic, which Arab lawmakers sometimes do in order to send messages to their constituents. However, there may be a comprehension issue for participants in the panel.

Coalition lawmakers scream at Hadash-Ta’al chief Ayman Odeh not to speak in Arabic during a hearing on his potential impeachment pic.twitter.com/bHi8AewMse

— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) June 24, 2025

German court lifts government ban on far-right magazine deemed by antisemitic, anti-minority by intel agency

A German court lifts a ban imposed by the government last year on a far-right magazine, ruling that the case against it doesn’t clear the high bar required to outlaw its publisher.

Germany’s previous government banned Compact magazine and the company that publishes it, Compact-Magazin GmbH, in July. Then-Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described Compact as “a central mouthpiece of the right-wing extremist scene,” and said that it “agitates in an unspeakable way against Jews, against people with a history of migration and against our parliamentary democracy.”

Compact appealed to the Federal Administrative Court, which suspended the ban in August pending a full consideration of the case. Following a hearing earlier this month, the court lifts the ban altogether.

The court says in a statement that Germany’s constitution guarantees freedom of the press and opinion “even for the enemies of freedom” and that, on grounds of proportionality, a ban can only be justified if the publisher’s anti-constitutional activities are proven to be “formative” for the group. It says a review of the evidence shows that the material in question didn’t reach that threshold.

Compact is run by far-right figure Jürgen Elsässer, and produces the monthly magazine of the same name, which has a circulation of about 40,000, as well as an online video channel, Compact TV. It also runs an online shop selling books, CDs, DVDs and other merchandise.

Compact has been published since 2010. In its annual report for 2023, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency said that it “regularly disseminates… antisemitic, anti-minority, historically revisionist and conspiracy theory content.”

The strength of the far right has caused increasing concern in Germany in recent years.

Russia says it supports Iran with ‘clear stance’ condemning US and Israeli strikes, intends to deepen Tehran ties

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shake hands during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 23, 2025. (Alexander KAZAKOV / POOL / AFP)

The Kremlin says Russia supports Iran “with its clear position” on condemning US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and that Moscow intends to further develop its ties with Tehran.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov makes the comment in response to a question about criticism from some commentators who have suggested Russia did not do enough to support Iran, with which it has a strategic partnership pact.

Peskov says that “many people are trying to spoil relations between Moscow and Tehran by adding fuel to the fire.”

He notes that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who held talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, has said he highly valued Russia’s role.

Israir and Arkia preparing for more repatriation flights

Illustrative: Parked airplanes belonging to Israir and El Al at Ben Gurion International Airport, August 8, 2020. (Olivier Fitoussi/FLASH90)

Israir and Arkia are preparing to add repatriation flights to bring Israeli passengers back from several destinations, subject to final approval from the aviation authorities and the defense establishment.

As of now, additional flights have not yet been officially approved.

Today, Israir will operate repatriation flights to and from Tbilisi, Athens and Rome and in the coming days also from Baku.

Arkia is planning to operate repatriation flights to and from Milan, Larnaca, Athens, and Vienna today.

Lapid tells UK lawmakers says he was shown intel that supported need for attack on Iran’s nuclear program

Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset on June 4, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Testifying before a British parliamentary panel via video, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid says that he supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attack on Iran’s nuclear program because of intelligence that he had been shown.

Lapid was briefed on the pending attack on the evening of June 12, hours before the first Israeli airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program.

“I supported the goals of the operation. We stood together – as a country, as a leadership, as a people,” Lapid tells the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, which had invited him to address the conflict between Jerusalem and Tehran. “I welcome today’s ceasefire. Now it must be translated into an effective agreement, that creates a long-term solution.”

He adds, “Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Iran must not be allowed to build an arsenal of ballistic missiles. Iran must not be allowed to fund and arm terrorist proxies. Iran must not be allowed to threaten Israel, the region, or the world ever again.”

IAEA’s Grossi proposes meeting with Iran’s foreign minister over Tehran’s nuclear program

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi attends an extraordinary Board of Governors meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria on June 23, 2025. (Joe Klamar / AFP)

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says he has written to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to propose a meeting, and urged cooperation after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced.

Soon after the announcement of the truce, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel, which vowed to respond forcefully.

Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, says in a post on X that Iran resuming cooperation with the agency could lead to a diplomatic solution to the long-standing controversy over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. However, it has enriched uranium to levels that have no peaceful application, has obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities. Israel says Tehran has recently taken steps toward weaponization.

France welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire, calls for negotiations over nuclear and missile concerns

France says it “welcomes” US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

“This announcement must lead to a complete cessation of hostilities, which France calls on all parties to respect,” says France in a statement. “It is in everyone’s interest to avoid a new cycle of violence, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the entire region.”

The statement comes as Israel promises to retaliate for an Iranian missile attack soon after the ceasefire went into effect.

“Iran must never possess nuclear weapons,” the French statement continues. “In this regard, France urges Iran to engage immediately in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its destabilizing activities.”

Qatar summons Iranian ambassador after attack on US base

This frame grab take from AFPTV footage shows the remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar, as it lies on a pavement near a fence on June 23, 2025. (Photo by AFPTV / AFP)

Qatar summons the Iranian ambassador after Iran attacked the major US military base on Qatari soil following American strikes on its nuclear facilities.

The foreign ministry expresses its “strong condemnation” of the attack and repeats that it “retains the right to respond to this egregious violation,” a statement says.

Iranian media: Tehran denies it fired missiles at Israel after ceasefire; IDF said 2 projectiles fired, residents reported interceptions

Iran’s ISNA news agency says reports that Iran fired missiles at Israel after the ceasefire took effect were false.

According to the IDF, two missiles were fired after the start of the ceasefire, setting off sirens in the north.

Residents reported interceptions.

At hearing on potential impeachment of Odeh, Likud lawmaker implies Arab MK a security threat

Hadash-Ta’al chairman MK Ayman Odeh attends a Knesset House Committee hearing on his possible impeachment, June 24, 2025. (Dani Shem-Tov/ Office of the Knesset Spokesperson)

Opening a Knesset House Committee hearing on the potential impeachment of MK Ayman Odeh, chairman Ofir Katz (Likud) implies that the removal of the chairman of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party is necessary because he constitutes a security threat.

“Why specifically now?” he asks. “While the soldiers are fighting on seven fronts, the eighth front needs to be cleared, and Ayman Odeh is our eighth front… He is continuously working to weaken the State of Israel, to discredit it, to undermine it and to strengthen its enemies.”

“Since he entered politics, he has done nothing for the Arabs of Israel; he is only for Gaza and against the State of Israel. If he had behaved like this in countries like Syria, they would have hanged him in the city square. But Israel is not such a country, it is the only democracy in the Middle East and in the world that allows such a person to sit in our parliament. We will not allow this to continue, neither in the name of freedom of expression nor in the name of tolerance,” Katz adds.

As the hearing continues, Odeh and Katz begin a shouting match, with Katz yelling that Odeh is an “arch-terrorist.”

Today’s hearing is to determine whether or not to impeach Odeh for a statement he made appearing to equate Israeli hostages with Palestinian security prisoners.

Knesset House Committee chairman Katz calls MK Ayman Odeh an “arch-terrorist” during an impeachment hearing pic.twitter.com/7H5dbTejCN

— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) June 24, 2025

Israel Airports Authority says it’s preparing for gradual reopening of airspace

El Al repatriation flight lands at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, June 18, 2025. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) says it is preparing for a gradual return of operations and will fully reopen the country’s airspace in a phased manner, subject to authorization by the defense establishment.

As part of the preparations, the airports authority is conducting a situation assessment with the Israel Civil Aviation Authority, the defense establishment and others.

The Israel Civil Aviation Authority is working in close coordination with all airlines and entities, with the aim of ensuring an orderly and safe return for the traveling public, the IAA says.

The IAA emphasizes that at this stage there is no change in the flight schedules at Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa Airport.

The statement is released shortly after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel after the start of a ceasefire, and Israel vowed to respond forcefully.

IDF chief: We will strike with force after Iran’s grave violation of the ceasefire

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, in an ongoing assessment, says that “in light of the grave violation of the ceasefire by the Iranian regime, we will strike with force,” according to remarks provided by the military.

Iran launched two ballistic missiles at Israel shortly after a ceasefire with Tehran was announced.

Israeli official: ‘Iran broke the ceasefire, and it will pay’

Israel will respond to Iran’s missile attack, an Israeli official says, shortly after Tehran launched at least two ballistic missiles soon after the start of a ceasefire.

“Iran broke the ceasefire,” says the official, “and it will pay.”

In its statement after the US- and Qatari-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran began, the Prime Minister’s Office promised to “respond forcefully” to any violations of the truce.

Tehran assessing damage to nuclear industry and will arrange its ‘restoration,’ says Iranian nuke chief

This satellite picture by Planet Labs PBC shows Iran's underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordo following US airstrikes targeting the facility, on June 22, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

Iran is assessing the damage to its nuclear industry and arrangements have been made for its restoration, Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami says, according to Mehr news.

“The plan is to prevent interruptions in the process of production and services,” Eslami says.

The comments are made as Iran violates a ceasefire with Israel with a ballistic missile attack.

Israel has said its sweeping assault on Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites, and ballistic missile program is necessary to prevent the Islamic Republic from realizing its avowed plan to destroy the Jewish state.

Iran has consistently denied seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. However, it has enriched uranium to levels that have no peaceful application, has obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities. Israel says it has recently taken steps toward weaponization.

Iran has retaliated to Israel’s attacks by launching some 550 ballistic missiles and around 1,000 drones at Israel.

So far, Iran’s missile attacks have killed 28 people and wounded thousands in Israel, according to health officials and hospitals.

Some of the missiles have hit apartment buildings, a university and a hospital, causing heavy damage.

Lawmakers call for retaliation after Iran breaks ceasefire with missile attack on Israel

Lawmakers call for retaliation against Tehran after Iran violated the newly announced ceasefire, launching a ballistic missile at northern Israel.

“Tehran will tremble,” tweets far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet.

“Quiet will be answered with quiet, missiles will be answered with…?” tweets Otzma Yehudit lawmaker Limor Son Har-Melech.

“Three and a half hours after the US president announced a ceasefire, there is shooting from Iran toward northern Israel. We must not absorb it, we must not ignore it, we have to respond immediately,” posts opposition party Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman.

“Any violation of [Iran’s] will be met with an appropriate response,” declares lawmaker Tali Gotliv, while her fellow Likud MK Avichai Boaron calls for strikes, “with full force,” against symbols of the Iranian regime.

Katz instructs IDF to ‘respond forcefully’ after Iran breaks ceasefire with missile attack

Defense Minister Israel Katz (left) and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in an assessment, June 20, 2025. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has instructed the IDF to “respond forcefully to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran.”

Two ballistic missiles were fired from Iran at Israel after a ceasefire was supposed to take effectץ Both were intercepted.

21 killed by Israeli fire near Gaza aid distribution site, say Hamas-run authorities; no comment from IDF

Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense agency says Israeli forces killed 21 people waiting for aid near a distribution site in the center of the Strip.

There is no comment from the Israel Defense Forces.

It is unclear at what time the reported shooting near the aid site took place. Earlier this month, the IDF warned Palestinians not to approach routes leading to Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time, describing these roads as closed military zones. However, the GHF has indicated it may be open during those hours.

The GHF has faced heavy scrutiny from other aid bodies, as well as the UN and foreign countries, which say that it does not sufficiently address the humanitarian needs in the war-torn Palestinian enclave.

Critics have also accused GHF of putting aid seekers in harm’s way, with operations beset by deadly incidents on a near-daily basis.

Israel says the mechanism is required to keep aid out of the hands of Hamas.

IDF says civilians in northern Israel can exit bomb shelters after Iranian missile fire

The IDF Home Front Command says civilians in northern Israel can exit bomb shelters after the latest missile fire from Iran.

At least one ballistic missile launched from Iran at Israel as Tehran breaks ceasefire

At least one ballistic missile was launched from Iran at Israel in the latest attack, after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect. The missile was likely intercepted.

There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries.

Sirens sound in northern Israel as Iran breaks ceasefire with ballistic missile attack

Sirens are sounding in northern Israel amid a new ballistic missile attack from Iran, after a ceasefire was supposed to take effect.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

IDF says it detected new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran, an hour after Israel confirmed ceasefire

The IDF says it has detected a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in northern Israel in the coming minutes.

The announcement comes shortly after Israel said it had agreed to a bilateral ceasefire with Iran.

IDF says no changes to home front guidelines for civilians: ‘There is still a danger’

People leave an underground parking garage where they took shelter after an air raid alarm of Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Currently, there are no changes to guidelines for civilians as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran takes effect, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says in a press conference.

“You must continue to follow the guidelines; there is still a danger,” he says.

Fighter jets dropped over 100 munitions on Iranian military targets overnight, IDF says

Israeli Air Force fighter jets hit dozens of Iranian military targets in Tehran overnight, dropping over 100 munitions, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says in a press conference.

He says the strikes again targeted the “headquarters of the SPND nuclear project” and weapon production sites in the Iranian capital.

“In western Iran, we detected preparations for a barrage at Israel, and we worked to thwart and disrupt the threat,” Defrin says, adding that airstrikes hit eight ballistic missile launchers “that were primed for immediate launch.”

IDF says it ‘fully met all of its objectives’ in war with Iran, military remaining on high alert

An image taken from a video shared on social media shows the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Tehran on June 23, 2025 (Video screenshot)

As a ceasefire between Israel and Iran takes effect, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says “the IDF fully met all of its objectives” that it had determined ahead of the war.

“The chief of staff has instructed the IDF to remain on high alert and prepared for a powerful response to any violation of the ceasefire,” he says.

Lebanese media: 3 killed in IDF strike in southern Lebanon

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announces that three people were killed in an Israeli strike near the village of Kfardajal in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon.

Earlier, reports from Lebanon indicated that an Israeli drone had targeted a car in the area.

There is no comment from the Israel Defense Forces.

*🛑 مسيّرة إسرائيلية تستهدف سيارة في منطقة كفردجال بقضاء النبطية* pic.twitter.com/FdfYVwnCjO

— فخامة الشهيد (ܒܫܝܪ ܚܐܝܝ ܐܒ) (@LfBachir10452) June 24, 2025

Shares on Tel Aviv Stock Exchange rise after Israel-Iran ceasefire announcement

Shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange gain, and the shekel appreciates, following the announcement of a bilateral ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s benchmark TA-125 index increases 1.6 percent and the TA-35 index of blue-chip companies adds 1.9%. The TA-Construction index is up 1.8%, the TA-Real Estate index jumps 2%, and the TA-Banks index soars 3.7%.

The shekel appreciates 1.5% and trades around 3.39 against the dollar. The local currency gained 2.3% in the past week.

Shares rose over the past week, gaining some 3.2%, after Israel and the US struck Iranian nuclear and military targets.

Death toll at 4 after Iranian ballistic missile strike on Beersheba apartment building

Israeli soldiers and rescue team search for survivors amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike that killed several people, in Beersheba, Israel, on June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

The death toll in the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Beersheba remains at four.

A statement issued by the Fire and Rescue Service mistakenly said five were killed.

Another 20 people were wounded in the attack, of whom two are in moderate condition.

This post has been updated to reflect the correction by rescue services.

4 killed in Beersheba were in safe rooms that suffered direct hit from Iranian ballistic missile, IDF initial probe finds

Israeli soldiers and rescue team work amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike that killed several people, in Beersheba, Israel, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

The four people killed in this morning’s ballistic missile attack on Beersheba were apparently sheltering in their bomb safe rooms when the projectile impacted, according to a preliminary Home Front Command investigation.

Two missiles were fired at Beersheba in the salvo at 5:40 a.m., with one being intercepted and another striking the sixth floor of an apartment complex in the southern city.

The missile directly hit two bomb safe rooms, completely destroying one of them, and killing four people inside them, according to the probe.

The bomb safe rooms are designed to sustain the shockwave of ballistic missiles as well as shrapnel — though not a direct strike from a large explosive warhead. It was the second instance of fatalities caused by a direct hit on a reinforced room during the war between Israel and Iran.

The Home Front Command says that bombproof rooms are still the safest place to be during ballistic missile attacks.

The Israeli Air Force is investigating why the missile was not intercepted.

Beersheba had received an early warning at 5:07 a.m., yet the sirens only sounded at 5:40 a.m. Civilians were instructed to remain close to bomb shelters during that time.

In all, some 20 missiles were launched by Iran at Israel this morning, in six salvos of 1-3 missiles each, from just before 5 a.m. until just after 7 a.m., according to the IDF.

Germany’s Merz welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire, calls on both sides to adhere to it

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech at a conference for economic policy organized by the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in Berlin, Germany, on June 23, 2025. (Tobias Schwarz/ AFP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomes US President Donald Trump’s call for a sequential ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and appeals to the two parties to adhere to it, in a post on his X account.

“If this ceasefire succeeds after the decisive US military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, it is a very good development,” Merz writes.

The German leader says he will discuss ways to stabilize the situation with American and European partners on the sidelines of today’s NATO summit.

Smotrich after ceasefire with Iran: ‘Now we complete the task in Gaza’

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at a Religious Zionism party faction meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, May 5, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Following the announcement of a ceasefire with Tehran, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, boasts of Israel’s “crushing victory,” which he says has resulted in the removal of “an immediate existential threat.”

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of those murdered this morning in Beersheba. There is no doubt that this morning leaves a bitter taste, but with all the sorrow, the truth is that we have achieved, thank God, a crushing victory in the campaign against Iran that will be recorded gloriously in the pages of the history of the State of Israel,” says the far-right leader.

“We have removed an immediate existential threat… and severely damaged the Iranian ayatollah regime, including by destroying dozens of targets in Tehran overnight. Now [we turn] with all our strength to Gaza, to complete the task: to destroy Hamas and return our hostages and to ensure, with God’s help, many years of security and growth from strength for the people of Israel.”

In a tweet, coalition lawmaker Dan Illouz of Netanyahu’s Likud party questions whether Israel should halt its attacks on Iran.

“The big question is not whether we dealt with the immediate threats to the State of Israel, but whether my one-year-old son will have to face those same threatening actors a few decades from now,” he tweets.

“There is no doubt that we won this war. But the question is – has the enemy surrendered? Or is this just a round we won on points?”

Liberman warns against Iran ceasefire ‘without a clear and unambiguous agreement’

Yisrael Beytenu party chairman MK Avigdor Liberman leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on June 9, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

A bad ceasefire will bring about another war between Iran and Israel within a few short years, warns Avigdor Liberman, the chairman of the hawkish Yisrael Beytenu opposition party.

Calling the final Iranian attacks on Israel in the wake of the country’s “incredible military achievements” of the past week and a half “particularly jarring and bitter,” Liberman bemoans that “instead of unconditional surrender, the world has entered into difficult and tedious negotiations, with the ayatollah regime having no intention of giving up – not on uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, not on the production and equipping of ballistic missiles, nor on supporting and financing terrorism in the region and around the world.”

“Already at the beginning of the war, I warned that there is nothing more dangerous than leaving a wounded lion,” Liberman says. “A ceasefire without a clear and unambiguous agreement will certainly lead us to another war in two or three years, and under much worse conditions.”

Opposition party heads Lapid, Golan call for end to fighting after announcement of Iran ceasefire

(L) Yesh Atid leader MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset on May 12, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) and (R) The Democrats party leader Yair Golan holds a press conference in Tel Aviv, May 20, 2025 (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and The Democrats chairman Yair Golan both call for an end to fighting in Gaza, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

“And now Gaza. It’s time to [finish] there too. Return the hostages, end the war. Israel needs to start rebuilding,” Lapid says in a statement.

“The campaign against Iran ended with a clear security achievement, which would not have been possible if Israel were not a democratic, strong, and united state. The ceasefire agreement must now be scrutinized: Does it prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and what sanctions, including renewed fighting, will be imposed if it is violated,” Golan posts on X.

“And now is the time to complete the mission: Return all the hostages, end the war in Gaza, and stop once and for all the coup that threatens to make Israel weak, divided, and vulnerable,” Golan says.

Israel says it agreed to bilateral ceasefire with Iran, will ‘respond forcefully’ to any violation

Israel confirms that it has agreed to the US proposal for a bilateral ceasefire with Iran, but will “respond forcefully” to any violations of the truce.

The Prime Minister’s Office says in a statement that the premier met with the cabinet, the defense minister, the IDF chief of staff and the head of the Mossad “to report that Israel had achieved all of the objectives of Operation Rising Lion, and much more.”

“Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear and ballistic missile fields,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, “the IDF achieved full air control over Tehran’s skies, inflicted severe damage on the military leadership, and destroyed dozens of central Iranian government targets.”

The statement also announces for the first time that another senior nuclear scientist was killed.

“Even in the past day, the IDF dealt major blows to regime targets in the heart of Tehran, eliminated hundreds of Basij operatives, the regime’s oppression apparatus, and assassinated another senior nuclear scientist,” the statement reads.

“Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defense and their participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat,” the statement reads.

“In light of the achievement of the operation’s objectives, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to the president’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire,” the PMO says, adding that Israel “will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire.”

US President Donald Trump had earlier said that a ceasefire would take effect, shortly after at least four people were killed when an Iranian ballistic missile hit a residential building in Beersheba.

Hostage forum: ‘Ending Iran op without using it to return the hostages would be grave diplomatic failure’

Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, speaks at a protest outside the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv along with other relatives of the Gaza captives, on June 9, 2025. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum says that ending the military operation against Iran without taking the opportunity to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza would be a “grave diplomatic failure.”

“The ceasefire agreement must expand to include Gaza; we call on the government to hold snap talks that will lead to the return of all the hostages and an end to the war. Those can bring about a ceasefire with Iran can also end the war in Gaza,” the forum says.

“After 12 days and nights in which the Israeli people could not sleep because of Iran, we can finally go back to not sleeping because of the hostages,” the forum says.

“Ending the operation in Iran without using it to return all the hostages would be a grave diplomatic failure,” the forum says.

Terror groups in the Gaza Strip are holding 50 hostages, including 49 of the 251 abducted by Hamas-led terrorists on October 7, 2023. They include the bodies of at least 28 confirmed dead by the IDF. Twenty are believed to be alive and there are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, Israeli officials have said. Hamas is also holding the body of an IDF soldier killed in Gaza in 2014.

Rescue teams working to locate survivors in Beersheba residential building hit by Iranian missile

Israeli soldiers and rescue teams search for survivors amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike that killed several people, in Beersheba, Israel, on June 24, 2025 (John Wessels / AFP)

Rescue teams are combing through the rubble of an apartment building in Beersheba that was hit by an Iranian ballistic missile this morning.

Emergency services are climbing through the mangled slabs of concrete and twisted metal as they rescue survivors.

Police have said there are no reports of people missing, but that they are checking “room to room” in the partially collapsed building.

Israeli airspace reopens after Iranian ballistic missile barrages, airports authority says

Israel’s skies have reopened to incoming flights after a brief closure due to Iranian ballistic missile fire, Israel Airports Authority says.

Israeli official says ‘Trump announced a ceasefire. If all sides uphold it, it will hold’ — report

An Israeli official tells the Walla news site that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by US President Donald Trump will remain in effect if both sides adhere to it.

“Trump announced a ceasefire. If all sides uphold it, it will hold,” the unnamed official says.

There has been no formal and public statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or any other Israeli official on the matter.

Trump: ‘The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!’

US President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon arriving at the White House, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Jose Luis Magana)

US President Donald Trump says that a ceasefire has come into effect, apparently referring to a truce between Israel and Iran.

“The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it! Donald J. Trump, president of the United States,” he writes on Truth, his social media network.

While Iranian state television has said a truce is in effect, there has been no comment from Israel since at least four people were killed when an Iranian ballistic missile hit a residential building in Beersheba a short time ago.

IDF says larger attack on Israel this morning foiled by strikes on several Iranian ballistic missile launchers

In the past few hours, the Israeli Air Force struck several Iranian ballistic missile launchers in western Iran, which were primed for this morning’s salvos on Israel, the IDF says.

The airstrikes foiled a larger attack on Israel, according to the military. It is unclear if the strikes were launched before the Iranian missile salvos or during them.

The military issues footage of the strikes.

Despite the action, at least four people were killed when a ballistic missile hit an apartment block in Beersheba.

Footage shows strikes on Iranian ballistic missile launchers in western Iran, June 24, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

No reports of people still missing after Iranian missile hit Beersheba apartment block, police say

Israeli soldiers and rescue teams search for survivors amid the rubble of residential buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike that killed several people, in Beersheba, Israel, on June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Southern District Police Commander Haim Bublil says there are no reports of people missing after a ballistic missile struck a residential building in Beersheba.

“We are still searching from room to room,” he says.

Civilians no longer need to stay close to bomb shelters, Home Front Command says

People gather in a underground shelter in Tel Aviv on June 24, 2025, after sirens sounded in several areas across the country after missiles were fired from Iran (Menahem Kahana / AFP)

Nationwide, civilians no longer need to remain close to bomb shelters, the IDF Home Front Command announces.

The update comes following six salvos of missiles fired by Iran.

After deadly missile barrages, Iranian television says ceasefire in effect; no comment from Israel

Iranian television says that a ceasefire has begun, soon after firing a number of missile barrages at Israel.

Iran’s Press TV says that a ceasefire came into effect with the conclusion of the multiple missile barrages fired at Israel.

Most of the missiles were intercepted, but one struck an apartment building in Beersheba, killing at least four people and wounding several others.

There is no comment from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Multiple wounded in addition to 4 killed in Iranian missile strike on Beersheba building, medics say

A Soroka Medical Center trauma team takes care of a wounded individual, June 24, 2025. (Courtesy/Soroka)

In addition to the four killed in the Iranian ballistic missile strike in Beersheba, Magen David Adom says it treated two others in moderate condition and 20 others lightly hurt and suffering acute anxiety.

Rescue forces continue to search the partially collapsed apartment building for those presumed missing or trapped.

Israeli airspace closed amid Iranian ballistic missile barrages, airports authority says

Israel’s skies are closed to planes until further notice, Israel Airports Authority says.

At least one flight that had been due to land at Ben Gurion Airport is circling off the coast of Israel amid repeated ballistic missile barrages fired by Iran.

Civilians in northern Israel can leave bomb shelters but should stay close to them, IDF says

Civilians in northern Israel can leave bomb shelters following Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack, but should remain close to them until further notice, the Home Front Command says.

Death toll rises to 4 in Iranian ballistic missile strike on Beersheba apartment block

A building in the southern city of Beersheba is seen after being struck by an Iranian ballistic missile, June 24, 2025 (Magen David Adom)

The death toll in the Iranian ballistic missile strike on an apartment building in Beersheba rises to four, after the body of a woman was pulled out from the rubble, rescue workers say.

Drones hit radar systems at 2 Iraqi military bases

Unidentified drones struck radar systems at two military bases in Iraq early this morning, security sources say.

The strikes came hours after Iran launched missiles at a US military facility in Qatar –the largest US military facility in the Middle East — in retaliation for the American bombing of Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

The first attack hit a radar system at the Taji base, north of Baghdad, a security source tells AFP, requesting anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media.

A few hours later, the security source tells AFP that “a drone targeted… the radar system at the Imam Ali airbase” in Dhi Qar province in southern Iraq.

Another drone fell in the Radwaniya district, ten kilometers west of Baghdad International Airport, the source adds, where US troops are deployed in a base as part of an anti-jihadist coalition.

“An unidentified drone struck the radar” at Taji, says government security spokesman Saad Maan, adding that another drone “fell near a generator,” without providing further details.

The attacks caused material damage but no casualties were reported, Lieutenant General Walid al-Tamimi tells the official Iraqi News Agency.

The Taji base hosted US troops several years ago and was a frequent target of rocket attacks.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

10-15 missiles launched from Iran at Israel in 6 salvos this morning, IDF assesses

Between 10 and 15 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran in six salvos this morning, according to IDF assessments.

Most of the missiles were intercepted, and one struck an apartment building in Beersheba, killing at least three and wounding others.

Sirens sound in Haifa, central Israel as Iran fires 6th salvo of ballistic missiles

Sirens sound in Haifa and central Israel amid Iran’s sixth salvo of ballistic missiles launched at Israel since this morning.

IDF says it detected 6th launch of ballistic missiles from Iran; sirens expected in center

The IDF says it has detected a sixth launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in central Israel in the coming minutes.

Man seriously injured while seeking shelter in north amid Iranian missile barrage

A man in the north was seriously injured while seeking shelter during an Iranian missile barrage earlier this morning, medics say.

The man suffered a head injury and was found unconscious, the Magen David Adom emergency service says.

Civilians in center, south can leave shelters after 5th barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles, IDF says

Civilians in the center and south can leave bomb shelters following Iran’s fifth salvo of ballistic missiles, the Home Front Command says.

Sirens sound in northern Israel due to Iran’s 5th missile salvo

Sirens sound in northern Israel amid Iran’s fifth salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel since this morning.

Trump again lauds ceasefire as waves of Iranian missiles target Israel

US President Donald Trump lauds an Israel-Iran ceasefire deal he announced earlier today, as waves of Iranian missiles target Israel.

“We couldn’t have made today’s ‘deal’ without the talent and courage of our great B-2 pilots, and all of those associated with that operation,” Trump writes on Truth Social.

“In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!!!” he writes, apparently referring to the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Trump posts the statement as Iran fires repeated salvos of ballistic missiles at Israel, killing at least three people.

Trump posted another statement celebrating the ceasefire deal about an hour ago, as the Iranian salvos started. He has not commented on the missile strikes.

It’s unclear if the salvos violate Trump’s outline for the ceasefire, which was supposed to start to take effect this morning.

IDF detects 5th launch of ballistic missiles from Iran

The IDF says it has detected a fifth launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in northern Israel in the coming minutes.

Beersheba’s Soroka hospital, hit by missile days ago, treats wounded in latest strike

A Soroka Medical Center trauma team takes care of a wounded individual, June 24, 2025. (Courtesy/Soroka)

Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba says the hospital’s trauma team and its life-saving unit are prepared to receive casualties from the latest round of ballistic missile fire from Iran.

At this stage, one person in moderate condition is being treated in the trauma room in the emergency department.

The hospital was badly damaged by an Iranian missile on Thursday.

Medics report details on 3 fatalities in Beersheba missile strike

Magen David Adom identifies the three fatalities in the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beersheba as a woman in her 40s, a man in his 40s, and a man in his 20s.

In addition, two men in their 50s are being taken to a hospital in moderate condition, and another six people are being treated at the scene in good condition, MDA says.

Medics continue to scan the apartment building that was hit for additional casualties.

Sirens sound across central Israel due to continued missile fire from Iran

Sirens sound across central Israel amid continued ballistic missile fire from Iran.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

2 missiles fired in 3rd Iranian salvo, IDF says

Two missiles are assessed by the IDF to have been fired in Iran’s third salvo this morning, which set off sirens in central and southern Israel.

There are no reports of impacts.

In all, eight missiles have been fired from Iran at Israel this morning.

IDF detects 4th launch of ballistic missiles from Iran

The IDF says it has detected a fourth launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in Israel in the coming minutes.

Another round of Iranian missiles sets of sirens in central, southern Israel

Sirens sound across central Israel and some areas in the south amid a third salvo of ballistic missiles from Iran.

The launch is the third Iranian missile attack on Israel in less than an hour.

The attacks come after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire that was set to start taking effect this morning.

3 killed in Beersheba missile strike

Three people are declared dead after an Iranian ballistic missile struck an apartment block in Beersheba, medics say.

Several others are wounded.

The scene of an Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beersheba, June 24, 2025. (Fire and Rescue Service)

Another round of missiles sets off sirens in central Israel and parts of the south.

Medics treating 3 people in critical condition after Beersheba missile strike

Magen David Adom says it is treating three people in critical condition, one person who is moderately hurt, and five lightly injured at the scene of the ballistic missile impact in Beersheba.

IDF detects another missile launch from Iran

The IDF says it has detected another launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in Israel in the coming minutes.

Iran fired 6 missiles at Israel in 2 salvos, IDF says

Israeli interceptors are fired at missiles from Iran as it seen from the West Bank city of Hebron, June 20, 2025. (Wisam Hashlamoun/Flash90)

Six missiles were launched from Iran at Israel this morning in two salvos, according to IDF assessments.

The first attack included two missiles, while the second consisted of four.

In the second attack, one missile struck an apartment block in Beersheba.

Photos show Iranian missile damage in Beersheba

Footage and photos posted to social media show the scene of the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beersheba.

A building in the southern city appears to have sustained a direct impact.

Medics are scanning the scene for casualties.

Footage posted to social media shows the scene of the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beersheba. pic.twitter.com/WBlGBpUX7w

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 24, 2025

Medics responding to reported missile impact in Beersheba

Medics are responding to reports of a ballistic missile impact in Beersheba.

Magen David Adom says that so far, it has not received reports of injuries, but is heading to the sites of reported impacts to scan them for casualties.

Missile sirens sound across central and southern Israel

Sirens sound across central and southern Israel amid a second salvo of ballistic missiles launched from Iran.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

IDF detects another missile salvo from Iran

The IDF says it has detected a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in central Israel and the Jerusalem area in the coming minutes.

IDF says public can leave bomb shelters after Iranian missile salvo

People take cover as siren warns of incoming missiles fired from Iran, at a public bomb shelter in Jerusalem on June 15, 2025. (Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)

The IDF Home Front Command says civilians can leave bomb shelters following Iran’s ballistic missile attack.

There were no reports of impacts or injuries, with the missiles apparently intercepted by air defenses.

Trump hails ‘love, peace’ in Middle East as Iran missiles send Israelis to shelters

US President Donald Trump walks out of the Oval Office before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on June 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kayla Bartkowski / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

US President Donald Trump applauds Israel and Iran for reaching peace, as Iranian missiles send Israelis to shelters.

“Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!’ I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!” Trump writes on Truth Social.

“Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH,” Trump writes.

The statement is posted as an Iranian missile salvo sets off sirens across northern Israel and in parts of the south.

It’s not clear if the missiles are a violation of the ceasefire. Trump said earlier that the ceasefire would start to take effect in the coming hours.

Israel and Iran have not confirmed the specifics of Trump’s ceasefire announcement.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, later said Iran would halt its attacks at 4 a.m. Iran time if Israel stopped its airstrikes. That deadline has passed.

No immediate reports of impacts or injuries in Iranian missile salvo

There are no immediate reports of impacts or injuries following Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack on Israel, Magen David Adom says.

Sirens had sounded across northern Israel and in some areas of the south.

Sirens sound in northern Israel following missile launch from Iran

Sirens are sounding across northern Israel and some areas in the south following the launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

An early warning was given to most areas in the country, as the IDF detected the Iranian attack.

The attack comes shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that was supposed to take effect in the coming day.

After ceasefire announced, IDF says missile sirens expected in south and north

The IDF Home Front Command says sirens are expected to sound in the coming minutes in northern Israel.

The warning comes after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.

The IDF minutes earlier warned of expected sirens in southern Israel.

Biden’s Mideast czar McGurk praises Trump for handling of Iran

White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk arrives at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, April 18, 2024. (Kent Nishimura/ Getty Images/ AFP)

Brett McGurk, the Biden administration’s coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, praises US President Donald Trump for his handling of the conflict with Iran.

“Bottom line, this is about the best place we can be. I give extremely high marks to this national security team and President Trump for managing this crisis,” McGurk tells CNN.

Brett McGurk, former Biden NSC Coordinator for the Middle East: "This is about the best place we can be. I give extremely high marks to this national security team and President Trump for managing this crisis." pic.twitter.com/ivBsu1IFJC

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 24, 2025

Qatar Airways resumes its flights

A Qatar airways plane lands at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany on Sept. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

Qatar Airways resumes flights after briefly closing its airspace due to the Iranian attack on the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.

Flight-tracking data shows commercial aircraft again flying in Qatari airspace, signaling the capital believes the threat on the energy-rich nation has passed.

Trump’s ceasefire announcement surprised some of his top officials — report

In a photo released by the White House via X, US President Donald Trump is seen in the Situation Room of the White House on June 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (WHITE HOUSE / AFP)

US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Israeli-Iran ceasefire surprised some of the top officials in Trump’s own administration, The New York Times reports, citing an anonymous White House official.

Trump announced the ceasefire in an abrupt post on the Truth Social platform.

Israel has not yet confirmed it agreed.

Iran foreign minister: no final ceasefire agreement; if Israel stops, we’ll stop

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listens to speeches as he attends the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting, in Istanbul, Turkey, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Iran’s foreign minister says that Tehran will stop its attacks if Israel stops its airstrikes by 4 a.m. local time.

The comment by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi marks the first official remarks from Iran to US President Donald Trump’s claimed ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

Araghchi sends message on the social platform X at 4:16 a.m. Tehran time.

“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi writes. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”

Araghchi adds: “The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”

Araghchi says in a follow-up post: “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am.”

“Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute,” he says.

After ceasefire announcement, IDF says no changes to guidelines for public

A group of men play cards as they take shelter from Iranian missile attacks in an underground light rail station in central Israel, June 19, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

The IDF Home Front Command says there are no changes to its guidelines for the Israeli public, after US President Donald Trump said that Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire.

“The public is requested to continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command through official channels,” the military says.

Gathering are still banned, and schools and workplaces are closed under the guidelines.

Drone targets Iraq’s Taji military base, no casualties, state news agency says

An unidentified drone targets a site at Iraq’s Taji military base north of Baghdad, the Iraqi state news agency reports, citing a military official.

There were no casualties, the official says.

US judge blocks Trump plan to close Harvard’s doors to international students

Pedestrians walk past the Widener Library at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 15, 2025. (AP/Charles Krupa)

A federal judge blocks US President Donald Trump’s administration from implementing his plan to bar foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard University.

US District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston issues an injunction barring Trump’s administration from carrying out its latest bid to curtail Harvard’s ability to host international students amid an escalating fight pitting the Republican president against the prestigious Ivy League school.

The preliminary injunction extends a temporary order the judge issued on June 5 that prevented the administration from enforcing a proclamation Trump signed a day earlier that cited national security concerns to justify why Harvard could no longer be trusted to host international students.

Footage shows US bombers that took part in strike on Iran

Footage released by the US Air Force shows B-2 bombers taking off from a base in Missouri for strikes against Iran, and returning to their hangars.

Trump: Ceasefire will last ‘forever,’ Israel and Iran won’t ‘ever be shooting at each other again’; White House official: US held direct, indirect talks with Iran

US President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, with Vice President JD Vance, left, after the US military struck three Iranian nuclear and military sites, June 22, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Pool via AP)

US President Donald Trump arranged an Israel-Iran ceasefire during a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday afternoon, a senior White House official tells Reuters.

US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff held direct and indirect calls with Iran to broker the ceasefire, the official says.

Israel agreed to the ceasefire so long as Iran refrains from launching further attacks, and Iran has signaled it will not carry out more strikes, the official says.

Separately, Trump tells NBC News that he expects the Israel-Iran ceasefire to last “forever,” and says it marks “a wonderful day for the world, in my opinion.”

“It’s a great day for America. It’s a great day for the Middle East. I’m very happy to have been able to get the job done,” he says. “A lot of people were dying, and it was only going to get worse. It would have brought the whole Middle East down.”

Asked how long the ceasefire will last, Trump says: “I think the ceasefire is unlimited. It’s going to go forever.”

He adds that the war is completely over, saying he does not believe Israel and Iran “will ever be shooting at each other again.”

IDF downs 4 Iranian drones

An Israeli Air Force fighter jet prepares to take off for strikes in Iran, June 17, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Four drones launched from Iran at Israel were shot down by the Israeli Air Force, the IDF says.

Sirens had sounded in the Golan Heights an hour ago as one drone was intercepted, while the other three were downed outside of Israel’s borders, according to the IDF.

US tells Americans in Sweden to watch out for Iran-linked attacks

The US embassy in Sweden says Americans in the country are “advised to exercise increased caution” due to local media reports on Iran potentially pressuring local criminal gangs to attack US and Israeli interests.

“Swedish media reports that Iran may be pressuring local criminal gangs, including the Foxtrot Network, to carry out attacks in Sweden against US and Israeli interests. US citizens in Sweden are advised to exercise increased caution,” the US embassy in Sweden says in a security alert.

The alert was issued before US President Donald Trump said Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire. It urged Americans in Sweden to avoid crowds and demonstrations and keep a low profile.

The Swedish criminal gang Foxtrot was accused in April by Britain of committing violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of Iran’s government, a claim Iran rejected. Washington sanctioned the group in March.

Vance downplays possibility Iran still has enriched uranium

US Vice President JD Vance speaks during a discussion at the Munich Leaders meeting hosted by the Munich Security Conference at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, May 7, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)

US Vice President JD Vance downplays the possibility that Iran is still in possession of highly-enriched uranium following Washington’s strikes on its nuclear program, arguing that the operation has prevented Tehran from being able to use that uranium to produce a nuclear weapon.

“Our goal was to bury the uranium, and I do think the uranium is buried, but our goal was to eliminate the enrichment [program] and eliminate their ability to convert that enriched fuel into a nuclear weapon,” Vance tells Fox News in an interview.

“If they have 60% enriched uranium, but they don’t have the ability to enrich it to 90% and further, then they don’t have the ability to convert that to a nuclear weapon. That is mission success,” he adds.

Vance says the ceasefire “is a great thing for Israel. They’ve accomplished an important military objective. They’ve helped us destroy the Iranian nuclear program. They’ve also destroyed the conventional missile capability of Iran.”

Vance later says that Iran’s missile program is “largely destroyed.”

He argues that the ceasefire provides Iran with an opportunity to “pursue the path of peace” after they have proven that “they’re just not very good at war.”

“When we look back, we will say the 12 Day War was an important reset moment for the entire region… the beginning of something very big for peace in the Middle East,” Vance says.

In its strike on Iran, Vance says the US proved that it “could fly a bunker buster bomb from Missouri to Iran completely undetected without landing once on the ground, and [that it] can destroy whatever nuclear capacity [Iran] builds up.

“I think that lesson is what’s going to teach them not to rebuild their nuclear capacity,” he says.

Asked about regime change in Iran, Vance reiterates that while the US would welcome such an effort by the Iranian people, it is not a goal of the US military.