A new war between Israel and Iran erupted on Saturday, sending Israelis scrambling for shelter and disrupting daily life, even in cities like Jerusalem where an eerie calm settled between siren alerts. The conflict began after a joint strike by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran.
A Personal Disruption
The war’s impact was immediately felt by Jacob Phillips, a German national who was revisiting Israel with his girlfriend, Michelle, after his first trip in 2023 was cut short by the October 7 Hamas attack. Their plans for departure next Thursday have been disrupted, and Ben Gurion Airport is closed until further notice. Despite the incoming missiles, Phillips expressed feeling safe in Jerusalem, citing Israel’s air defense systems.
Phillips stated, “I wanted to come here to learn about the Jewish experience, especially as a German, and I feel like I have gotten to see so much of it.”
Life Under Sirens
In Jerusalem, sirens sent residents, including worshipers and families preparing meals, rushing for cover. The gates of the Old City were closed to all but residents, and a group of Hasidic Jews were turned away from the Western Wall. One resident described the experience as having “pauses just long enough to walk up the stairs before heading back [down to the basement shelter] again.”
Elsewhere, missile impacts were reported in Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak, with one woman killed and another man seriously wounded in Tel Aviv by Saturday night.
Escalation and Regime Change
This conflict follows a 12-day war in June 2025, during which Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles at Israel and other Middle Eastern targets. This time, however, the situation is markedly different. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pursuing regime change in Iran, and that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been reported killed in the initial strikes.
Richard Weiner and Rolly Feld, who had been in Nahariya, drove back to Jerusalem seeking safety from potential strikes on the port of Haifa. Their journey involved repeatedly seeking shelter in tunnels along Route 4 as sirens sounded.
Weiner, a former Israeli resident now living in South Africa, criticized Netanyahu’s decision to launch the strikes, stating, “What he’s doing is horrible for the Iranian people, and it’s horrible for the people over here.”
A Familiar Disruption
The war unfolded as Israel prepared to celebrate Purim, a Jewish holiday commemorating the overthrow of a Persian regime, drawing a parallel to the current conflict. Despite the ongoing hostilities, some Israelis carried on with their lives, with two individuals observed in costume in Jerusalem.
Yael, a Jerusalem resident, expressed a sense of resignation, saying, “We’ve just come to expect this. I am raising my children here in Israel, but sometimes I wonder if there is a future here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the current conflict?
The war began when Israel and the United States together attacked Iran early Saturday.
Is Ben Gurion Airport operational?
Ben Gurion Airport is closed until further notice.
What was the outcome of the previous conflict between Israel and Iran?
A 12-day war in June 2025 led to the deaths of 32 Israelis and involved Iran launching more than 500 ballistic missiles at Israel and other targets.
As the situation continues to unfold, what impact will this conflict have on the long-term stability of the region?
