Soroka director general calls to fortify hospital against future missile strikes, says plans have been ready for years

Reporter at The Times of Israel

Smokes rises from a building at the Soroka hospital complex after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Beersheba, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smokes rises from a building at the Soroka hospital complex after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Beersheba, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Soroka Medical Center Director General Prof. Shlomi Kodesh calls on policymakers to fortify the entire hospital against missiles and other projectiles after yesterday’s ballistic missile strike.

“We’ve had construction plans ready for years,” Kodesh says. “We just need to make a decision and implement it immediately.”

Iran’s attack yesterday caused significant damage at the Beersheba hospital, but its emergency room is operating in a protected area and continues to provide urgent care to the residents of the Negev.

The hospital has an approximately 23 percent occupancy rate, with 270 patients.

In the last 24 hours, 95 casualties were taken to the hospital’s emergency room, all in mild condition and suffering from anxiety.

“The values of dedication, professionalism, and humanity that guide the workers of Soroka are stronger than any missile,” Kodesh says. “Our spirit is strong. We will rise, we will rebuild.”

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.