On the morning of February 28, at about 8 a.m. local time, Israelis received emergency mobile-phone warnings to seek immediate shelter. Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced that a “preemptive strike” had been launched against Iran to “remove threats” to Israel.
Retired Major General Noam Tibon, who became known after rescuing his family during the October 7, 2023 attacks and is a critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said he understood the strike. He argued that previous negotiations with Iran had been a “waste of time” and pointed to the June 2025, 12-day Israel-Iran conflict—when Israel, with US assistance, struck Iran’s nuclear program—as a turning point. That campaign, widely seen as violating international law, prompted Iranian counterstrikes that penetrated Israel’s defenses, killed at least 28 people and convinced many Israelis that stronger action was needed to prevent future missile threats.
Political response inside Israel has been largely supportive. Opposition leader Yair Lapid thanked the United States for its role, while former defense minister Benny Gantz voiced unity behind the government. By contrast, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened harsh reprisals against Israeli supporters of Iran. Left-wing Arab-Israeli MK Ayman Odeh warned the war would not make Israelis safer and urged people to look after themselves.
A major concern among critics is the danger of a multi-front conflict. Israel ordered a broad mobilization of reserve units to secure the northern borders with Lebanon and Syria and to deter Hezbollah, Iran’s ally, from joining the fighting.
Many Israelis believe the goals go beyond destroying missile capabilities. In a televised address, Netanyahu urged Iranians to free themselves from “the yoke of tyranny.” Some in Israel reportedly hope for regime change in Tehran and view US-based Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah, as a possible alternative to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—though Tibon said any transition’s outcome is highly uncertain.
Tibon warned the situation could escalate into a long regional war of attrition, a particularly serious risk for Israel because its future will hinge on US support and how events unfold inside Iran.
This article was originally written in German.
