Air Raid Sirens Empty Israeli Streets as Second Iran War Begins
Air raid sirens blared across Israel on Saturday, clearing streets and filling bomb shelters as the country braced for waves of Iranian attacks. This marks the second regional war in less than a year, with broad political and popular support emerging despite individual fears and resignations.
"We All Feel This Needs to Be Finished"
Gal Tzairi, a 23-year-old university student sheltering in an underground car park in central Tel Aviv, expressed a common sentiment. "We all of us feel that what we started needs to be finished," he said. "We want our safety, so we know we need [this]." Tzairi was dug out from the rubble of his home last June after an Iranian missile strike destroyed his apartment building, and while the sirens revived his fear, he was half-expecting another conflict due to recent US military buildup and Israeli prime minister's warnings.
Tom Zimako, 30, echoed this, calling it "round two" and backing the decision to attack Iran "100%." "We need to find a good solution against terror – not against people, against the citizens [of Iran]," he added.
Political Feuding Halts Ahead of Elections
The morning attacks immediately paused bitter Israeli political disputes ahead of elections due by October. Issues like conscription of ultra-orthodox men and a state inquiry into the 7 October 2023 attacks were set aside as opposition leaders united behind Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Yair Lapid, the official opposition leader, posted on social media: "I fully support this operation. We all agree about the justification and importance of striking the murderous Iranian regime." Yair Golan of the centre-left Democrats offered "full backing" to the military in "removing the Iranian threat," while rightwing Naftali Bennett stated, "the entire nation of Israel stands behind you."
Calls for Open-Ended War Amid International Urges for Negotiation
As European and regional powers pushed for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, prominent Israelis advocated for a broad, open-ended war. Yoav Gallant, a former defence minister, told Israel's Channel 12, "It's clear we have the upper hand regarding Iran. The important thing is we don't stop until we finish the job." He dismissed Iran's response, saying, "The small amount of rockets Iranians are shooting shows they are weak."
However, lawmaker Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, criticized the opposition for aligning with a government that wants to "live by the sword forever." He posted on social media, "There is no opposition in Israel, only 50 shades of militarism. Time and again, they try the same formula here: another 'round', another operation, more blood. Every time they promise that this time it will bring security, and every time reality proves otherwise."
Heightened Risks for Palestinian Citizens
Missile attacks pose particular dangers for Israel's Palestinian citizens, who have less access to bomb shelters. Nourka Ghoul, a 30-year-old art director from East Jerusalem, lacks a shelter at home and drove with her husband and 13-month-old daughter to a relative's apartment. "When the sirens sound, we come together and pray," she said. "It is always the same each time. We want to be with our family. If we are going to die, we will die all in one go."
War Disruptions Become Daily Routine
For many Israelis, war disruptions are part of daily life. Aleeza, a 35-year-old film-maker, struggled to entertain her baby and toddler in a shelter, noting her three-year-old now plays "sirens" with friends, racing to "shelters" in their playground. She expressed more frustration than fear, as the war halted filming of her first feature, a comedy. "I just want it to be over," she said.
Purim Festival Coincides with Attacks
The attacks occurred on the eve of Purim, a Jewish festival commemorating the biblical story of a Jewish community saved from massacre in ancient Persia. Some in Tel Aviv went from early Purim parties to shelters still in costume, while others joked that US President Donald Trump aimed to cast himself as a modern-day Mordechai, a hero in the story, by defending Jewish lives in Iran.
Tourists Caught in the Conflict
With airspace closed and flights cancelled, tourists also sought shelter. Philippe and Juliette Kubler from Nice, France, were visiting Jerusalem on a long-planned trip. "We said to ourselves that there was a small risk. We had a super time here. Everyone was very welcoming. We saw all the sacred sites. We never felt in any danger," said Philippe, a hospital nurse. "Now I'm just worrying about how we get home."
