In the early hours of Thursday morning, the city of Netanya jolted awake to the shrill blare of air raid sirens. Within minutes, Iranian long-range missiles pounded the outskirts of the coastal town, destroying an apartment block and damaging a nearby school. But what could have fractured the national spirit has instead fortified it.
Across Israel, in neighborhoods struck by the Iranian barrage and in communities that narrowly escaped it, citizens are rallying behind the government’s military response. Many Israelis, long accustomed to regional threats, now see the current escalation as a defining moment — not just politically or strategically, but existentially.
“Enough is enough,” said 64-year-old Hava Goldstein, whose home in Netanya sustained shrapnel damage. “We’ve lived under the shadow of Iranian threats for too long. This isn’t just a military conflict. This is a fight for our children’s future.”
Iran’s missile attack, launched in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on an IRGC convoy in Syria, marked the most direct confrontation between the two nations to date. Israeli defense systems intercepted dozens of incoming missiles, yet several managed to evade Iron Dome and other interceptors, causing civilian casualties and destruction.
But rather than sparking fear, the assault has solidified a rare and potent national unity. Political leaders from opposing parties held a joint press conference to declare bipartisan support for the military’s next steps. “Iran attacked us openly and deliberately,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “We will ensure the price they pay is one they never forget.”
Public support for Israel’s counteroffensive is surging. Recent polling conducted by Channel 13 shows that over 80% of Israelis approve of ongoing military operations targeting Iranian missile sites, command centers, and nuclear infrastructure. Support spans age groups, regions, and political affiliations — a rare occurrence in Israel’s normally divided political landscape.
“We’re tired of deterrence,” said Barak Ron, a veteran IDF officer and security consultant. “Deterrence didn’t stop the missiles. Action will.”
Israel’s retaliation began within hours of the missile barrage. The IAF launched extensive strikes on suspected Iranian military assets in Syria, Iraq, and near Bandar Abbas, inside Iran itself. The response, dubbed “Operation Iron Horizon,” is being described as one of the most intense military campaigns since the Second Lebanon War.
For Israelis, the choice appears clear: either strike decisively now, or risk emboldening Iran and its network of regional proxies for years to come.
“It’s a crossroads,” said Dr. Liat Engel, a political historian at Hebrew University. “Either Israel shows that it will no longer tolerate this type of aggression, or it signals to its enemies — including Hezbollah and Hamas — that attacks will go unanswered.”
In missile-hit communities like Holon, Ramla, and Ashdod, residents have been both coping with destruction and assisting others. Emergency relief groups, many led by volunteers, have mobilized to deliver food, medicine, and psychological care. “We’re stronger than any missile,” said Tzvika Halperin, a volunteer in Ashdod. “And this unity? It’s something we haven’t seen in a long time.”
The international response has been cautious but broadly sympathetic. The United States has reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to Israeli security, while several European governments condemned the Iranian strike and urged de-escalation.
Yet, within Israel, the message is less about diplomacy and more about finality. “This is not a tit-for-tat,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu in an address on Friday. “This is about ending the threat.”
As Israel prepares for the possibility of a broader regional war, the public mood remains resolute — even hardened. “We’re not afraid anymore,” said Hava Goldstein, the Netanya resident. “We’re ready. And we’re not backing down.”
