After 12 intense days of conflict between Israel and Iran, the ceasefire has brought a wave of cautious relief across Israel—but beneath the surface lies deep anxiety, political tension, and unresolved trauma.
🇮🇱 A Nation Reemerges From Shelters—Wary but Relieved
Across cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, life is gradually resuming. Schools have reopened, cafes are filling up, and traffic is flowing again. For many, the ceasefire feels like a temporary breath of fresh air.
“It’s a relief, but we’re not celebrating,” said a Tel Aviv resident. “We all know this could start again at any moment.”
While the missile sirens have fallen silent for now, the psychological impact remains. Israelis spent nearly two weeks sleeping in bomb shelters, canceling weddings, and bracing for missile impacts daily. The trauma lingers.
📊 Public Opinion: Strong Support—But Not Unanimous
Recent polls reveal that over 80% of Jewish Israelis supported the decision to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—viewing it as a necessary defensive move. Many believe the military operation restored a sense of deterrence after years of threats.
However, Arab-Israeli citizens largely opposed the strikes, criticizing the escalation and voicing concern over the growing instability in the region.
Despite wide backing for the military action, most Israelis do not want to see a prolonged war. Around 74% oppose launching a broader offensive into Lebanon or deeper into Iranian territory, showing strong preference for containment over escalation.
🏠Daily Life: From Sirens to Semi-Normalcy
For nearly two weeks, Israelis adapted to a life under fire:
-
Â
-
Schools were shuttered.
-
Public transport was limited.
-
Families sheltered in “safe rooms” night after night.
Â
Â
In response, many leaned on dark humor, social media memes, and shared resilience to cope with the fear. Now, routines are cautiously returning—though every loud noise still brings a moment of panic.
“Even with the ceasefire, every siren still echoes in our heads,” said a mother of three in Ashdod.
🎯 Political Impact: Netanyahu Rises, But Doubts Persist
The war has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a rare boost in popularity. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, voiced support for the military operation, signaling political unity in crisis.
Still, many citizens remain skeptical of the government’s long-term strategy. A large portion of the public believes the attack was justified—but questions whether it truly improved Israel’s security.
Analysts note that public trust in political leadership remains fragile, especially after the mixed handling of previous conflicts.
🤝 Gaza & Hostage Crisis: The Unfinished Battle
While the focus has shifted to Iran, many Israelis are worried that the hostage crisis in Gaza is being sidelined. With dozens of Israeli citizens still believed to be held by Hamas, pressure is mounting on the government to refocus efforts there.
“We support the Iran strike,” said one hostage’s father, “but not at the cost of forgetting our loved ones in Gaza.”
âś… Bottom Line
Israelis are cautiously stepping back into normal life after 12 days of war with Iran. While the operation enjoys strong public backing, there’s deep unease about what comes next. The ceasefire offers temporary calm, but without a broader resolution—especially regarding Gaza and regional threats—the shadow of war remains close.
