Tel Aviv, June 19, 2025 – Iran launched a series of missile strikes across Israel on Thursday, targeting key infrastructure, including the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) building, which sustained significant damage. Despite the attack, Israel’s financial markets demonstrated remarkable resilience, with major indices surging to record highs.
The strikes, part of Iran’s retaliatory operation dubbed “True Promise 3,” followed Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” which involved airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military leadership. According to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service, at least 32 people were injured across Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva. Al Jazeera reported extensive damage to the TASE building, alongside a hospital in southern Israel. Iran’s state media claimed the attacks targeted Israeli military and intelligence sites, while Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a “special situation” and warned Iran’s Supreme Leader of severe consequences.
Despite the physical damage, the TASE rallied sharply, with the TASE Index soaring 4% intraday to 2,159 points, reflecting a 14% gain since the conflict’s escalation on June 13. The All Share Index rose 0.5% to 2,574.89 points, while the blue-chip Tel Aviv-35 and broader Tel Aviv-125 indices hit 52-week highs at 2,810.85 and 2,850.08, respectively. The TASE closed at 6,161.00 Israeli shekels, up 1.67% from Wednesday, with the TA-125 index gaining 5% in June alone, following rises of 6.55% in May and 4.53% in April.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the market’s performance, stating, “Israel’s economic strength shines even under fire.” Analysts attribute the rally to robust market fundamentals, high liquidity, and investor confidence in a limited escalation. Ronen Menachem, chief markets economist at Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, noted, “The market’s measured response reflects maturity and optimism about Israel’s long-term stability.” Katz signaled plans to ease domestic restrictions, further boosting sentiment.
Iran warned the U.S. against intervention, stating “all options are on the table,” while global calls for de-escalation grow amid rising casualties—24 in Israel and over 220 in Iran since the conflict began. The international community remains on edge as the Middle East faces heightened instability.
