STORY: Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday (June 24) praised the military operation in Iran as a key move for "the well-being and safety of the world" during his visit to a site in Beersheba, Israel, that was struck by an Iranian missile.

"It's so tragic that it has to be with such a heavy loss," he said, adding, "but historically speaking, it's a major step forward."

The blast also impacted nearby homes in the residential neighbourhood in southern Israel's largest city, eyewitnesses said.

Damaged cars, storefronts and debris were seen in Beersheba after an Iranian strike on Tuesday (June 24), with security officials and rescue workers spread in the area.

Early on Tuesday, witnesses said they heard explosions near Tel Aviv and Beersheba in southern Israel.

Israel's military said six waves of missiles were launched by Iran and Israel's national ambulance service said four people were killed in Beersheba.

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Operation in Iran a major step to keep world safe, says Israeli president at Beersheba strike site

VIDEO SHOWS: ISRAELI PRESIDENT, ISAAC HERZOG, SPEAKING TO MEDIA WHILE VISITING AREA HIT BY IRAN MISSILES IN BEERSHEBA, ISRAEL

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RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: BEERSHEBA, ISRAEL (JUNE 24, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. ISRAELI PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG AT BEERSHEBA STRIKE SITE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG SAYING:

“What we've seen here, is outrageous and extremely painful. That missile, which is one of the heaviest missiles that the Iranians got. It's called Ghadr, it's way above 400 kilos, landed here, specifically to kill women, children, old age and people's ordinary lives. Demolished (a) kindergarten school, demolished apartments and unfortunately had a heavy toll of four innocent civilians. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the families. This is a terrible loss, but it also shows exactly who we are facing. We are facing an evil enemy which has decided simply to destroy and hurt and kill. And what we have done successfully in this operation is to remove the Iranian nuclear threat looming above Israel, the region and the free world. In this respect, I commend the Israeli leadership, Prime Minister Netanyahu, the cabinet and, of course, the Israeli military. I commend and thank wholeheartedly President Donald Trump, and of course the US Air Force, and I commend all those who've been involved in this operation, meaning an operation that's clearly has a direct impact on the well-being and safety of the world, the region and the State of Israel. It's so tragic that it has to do with such a heavy loss, but historically speaking it's a major step forward and I hope that it will also enable a process forward for inclusion, for peace and a better future for all of us in the region. This has to start with bringing our hostages back home as soon as possible, and I pray and hope that all the necessary steps will be taken so that we will have our sons and daughters back home from Gaza. Thank you very much!”

3. VARIOUS OF EMERGENCY SERVICES WORKING ON RUBBLE

4. EXCAVATOR REMOVING RUBBLE

5. EMERGENCY WORKERS IN DESTROYED BUILDING