‘This is round two’: attacks on Iran have broad support among unsurprised Israelis

Following Iranian attacks on Israel, Israelis are largely united in support of continued military action against Iran, viewing it as a necessary step for their safety. Despite personal fears and past experiences with Iranian missile strikes, many believe the conflict needs to be resolved decisively. The attacks have temporarily quelled internal political disputes, with opposition leaders expressing support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions. While European powers urge negotiation, some prominent Israeli figures advocate for a broader, sustained war to eliminate the Iranian threat. Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and lawmaker, is one of the few voices criticizing the widespread support for the military action.

Following a joint Israeli-US attack on Iran in late February 2026, Israel is on high alert, but a sense of normalcy prevails among some Israelis. Despite Iranian retaliation with missiles and drones, resulting in at least one injury, some Israeli commentators describe a feeling of "triumphalism." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the attack as removing an existential threat and called for regime change in Iran. Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed strong support for the military and echoed calls for internal change in Iran. While returning to shelters has become routine, the relative calm contrasts with previous escalations, where panic was more widespread.