On the morning of Friday, Israeli headlines were flooded with celebration. The Zionist army had just carried out a surprise deception operation against Iran, resulting in what was hailed as a major success: the assassination of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, along with the destruction of several nuclear and military facilities.
The suddenness and boldness of the operation gave rise to a wave of euphoria among Israeli commentators. Momentarily united, the nation rallied not just around the military but also around Netanyahu’s embattled government, praising it for what appeared to be a moment of strategic genius.
Many in Israel framed this as a rare, almost mythical moment of triumph — as if their “messianic” leadership had finally pulled off a rational, game-changing military feat.
Demonising Iran Was Easy
Iran never needed much effort to be cast as the ultimate villain in Israeli public discourse. For decades, Israel has ingrained into its population that its regional woes stem from the very existence of the Islamic Republic. According to this narrative, Iran is the “centre of evil” and the architect of the “Axis of Resistance.”
So when news of the “successful” Israeli strikes spread, most of the public forgot the disaster of 7 October 2023, and the myth of the “invincible army” was revived — echoing memories of the 1967 war, despite this being Israel’s first direct war against a sovereign state since 1973.
But the Euphoria Was Short-Lived
A few cautious voices warned against the hysteria, urging strategic patience and foresight. Some, relying on Israeli security briefings, claimed that Iran’s retaliatory capabilities had been neutralised. Others argued that Tehran’s delay in response was merely a result of command structure delays.
Yet concern quickly grew when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially distanced Washington from the operation, creating a moment of Israeli unease. That concern was quickly extinguished, however, when Trump enthusiastically endorsed the attack, declaring that it had been executed at the end of a two-month deadline he had given Iran to reach an agreement.
Isolation and Shock
But when Iran responded with a barrage of missile strikes, the reality shifted dramatically.
Unlike the Biden-era attacks, where the U.S. and its allies scrambled to protect Israel from Iranian missiles, this time Israel stood largely alone.
As the scale of Iranian retaliation grew, targeting strategic and civilian sites like:
- The Israeli army command centre in Tel Aviv
- The Haifa oil refinery
- The Hadera power station
- The Weizmann Institute of Science
- Residential buildings in Bat Yam —
…Israeli media began reporting widespread public criticism of Netanyahu’s government for not preparing society for a new, wide-scale war.
Civilian Panic and Defense Failures
The Iranian response revealed major vulnerabilities in Israel’s home front:
- Cities lacked sufficient shelters for their populations
- Government ministers and elite officials were quickly secured in state bunkers, while the general population was left exposed
- Israel’s much-touted missile defense systems failed to withstand the intensity and scale of Iranian firepower
- Borders, airports, and critical infrastructure were closed or severely limited
From Victory to Crisis in 24 Hours
Just a day after the so-called “victory,” the Iranian response began. Top Israeli leaders, including the President and opposition figures, were forced to admit the retaliation was “severe and painful.”
The Israeli Home Front Commander said:
“Last night was extremely difficult. We’re still digging through rubble in Bat Yam.”
Even Haaretz, typically a voice of Israeli liberalism, published a stinging editorial:
“The defense systems failed. The government must reconsider. This war may spiral into something catastrophic.”
Military commentators scrambled to explain the miscalculation. This was no repeat of 1967, and it was becoming increasingly clear that only a global superpower like the United States could deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Netanyahu’s Strategic Misfire
Analyst Yoav Zitun wrote in Yedioth Ahronoth that Israel is still hoping the U.S. will step in with “bunker-busting bombs” and B-52 bombers to target deep sites like Fordow, Iran’s underground enrichment facility.
Even if Israel continues “peeling away” Iran’s air defense layers, a full victory seems increasingly elusive.
Barak Ravid, political correspondent at Walla, stated that the entire outcome of this war may hinge on whether or not Fordow is destroyed. Without it, Iran’s nuclear program may accelerate rather than collapse.
Doubt and Disillusionment Rise
American journalist David Ignatius summed it up succinctly:
“Israel opened a door to war that it may not be able to close.”
He warned that Iran has proven time and again that it is prepared to absorb losses and fight long-term wars, citing its resilience during the eight-year war with Iraq.
Haaretz’s editorial added:
“While the opening strike targeted much of Iran’s command chain, the political leadership remains intact — led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”
Netanyahu, however, suggested otherwise, declaring:
“Soon, you will see Israeli warplanes over Tehran.”
This statement hinted at a shift from targeting facilities to targeting the entire Islamic Republic, contradicting earlier Israeli claims of not pursuing regime change.
Political Confusion and Strategic Drift
Nahum Barnea, senior columnist for Yedioth Ahronoth, expressed deep worry:
“Wars begin with euphoria. Then the euphoria fades, and the war drags on.”
Yossi Melman, a senior Haaretz security analyst, posted:
“The Shi’a are historically ready to suffer. Israel must cut its losses and plead with Trump for a negotiated end — otherwise, Iran will dictate the ceasefire terms.”
Aluf Benn, editor-in-chief of Haaretz, went further:
“This is Netanyahu’s war. He made the decision to expose the Israeli home front to Iranian missile barrages. He owns this.”
He pointed out Netanyahu’s shift in tone:
“Unlike Gaza, where he hides behind allies, this time he proudly says, ‘I gave the order.’ And if it fails, he’ll look for scapegoats.”
An unnamed senior Israeli official admitted that internal criticism has started to rattle government decision-makers — and the war is just beginning.
