Ariane Ménage / Photo credit: AMIR LEVY / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP
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10:16 p.m., April 14, 2024
This Sunday, the day after Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, where more than 300 drones and missiles were launched by Tehran, Israelis are divided between relief and anxiety. Despite a solid anti-aircraft defense, fears of a real direct war between Israel and Iran have not been ruled out and the Israeli population is preparing for it.
In response to Israeli strikes against its consulate in Damascus in early April, Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on the night of Saturday to Sunday. According to the Israeli army, Tehran launched “a swarm of 300 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles”. This first direct attack ever carried out by the Islamic Republic against Israeli territory was “foiled”, announced Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari. But then, how are Israelis living after last night’s attacks?
Relief and anxiety
Residents today are torn between relief and anxiety. Relief at the effectiveness of Israeli anti-aircraft defense. This Sunday it was the subject of all the discussions. Despite a very large number of shots, Iranian drones and missiles caused only minor damage. And anxiety about the days to come. Fears of a real direct war between Israel and Iran have not been ruled out and the Israeli population is preparing for it.
Moreover, the army claims to remain on alert in Tel Aviv. Benjamin Netanyahu reconvened his war cabinet this Sunday afternoon. There is talk of the possible Israeli response against Tehran. The Israeli Prime Minister had promised reprisals on Saturday evening. The American ally is trying to put pressure on it to dissuade it.
“A massive attack”
But in Israel, the night from Saturday to Sunday was long. Alon, 50, is Israeli and lives in Tel Aviv. It was after midnight when he saw Iranian drones and missiles piercing the sky. “We heard noise in the sky, especially in the Jerusalem area and southern Israel. It was like star wars. A massive attack. The sky was shining, our rockets were hitting the drones and missiles with the Iron Dome. Our planes were there everywhere, it’s very different from a rocket attack from Gaza,” he told Europe 1.
According to him, the rockets from Gaza are closer. Which explains why Israel and its inhabitants had time to prepare during the night from Saturday to Sunday. “In all, it lasted a little less than an hour. Today, we are trying to get back to normal. But it is very hard to be attacked and to remain calm. So a lot of people are staying at home today. ‘today,’ says Alon.