Southern Israel's Soroka Hospital Begins Major Reconstruction Nearly a Year After Iranian Missile Strike

Nearly a year after an Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel during Operation "With the Lion," extensive reconstruction work has finally commenced. The hospital, which sustained direct damage to its historic 1959 building, is undergoing renovations that will double its built-up area and include new, fortified structures. Soroka's director, Professor Shlomi Kodesh, described plans for a new "Resilience Building" featuring 500 protected beds, operating rooms, and catheterization labs.

The missile strike in April caused significant damage, forcing the hospital to close entire wards and operate under challenging conditions with a shortage of about 400 beds and no underground facilities. Despite these difficulties, the hospital staff has maintained high motivation and performance. Gila Levi, director of outpatient clinics, expressed both sorrow over the damage to the historic building and hope for a renewed future with modern facilities.

Since October 7, Soroka has been operating at full capacity, treating numerous casualties from the Gaza conflict and recent confrontations with Iran. The hospital serves nearly 1.5 to 2 million patients in the Negev region but feels under-resourced compared to central Israeli medical centers. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams has contributed over a third of the funding for the reconstruction, emphasizing the hospital will emerge stronger and better equipped.

The Southern District Planning and Building Committee recently approved a historic development plan including an 11-story fortified inpatient tower, three additional towers, hotel rooms, medical institutes, and new research, rehabilitation, and protected maternity buildings. Professor Kodesh acknowledged the bureaucratic delays but expressed optimism that the Negev residents will soon receive the medical care they deserve. He concluded, "We are beginning to renew, and the people of the Negev will come out stronger, though it is impossible not to shed a tear."