In an unprecedented turn of events, the last two days in Tel Aviv have been marked by continuous sirens warning of missile threats following the U.S.-Israeli military operation known as Operation Epic Fury, targeting sites in Iran. According to a prominent security analyst, the situation is unparalleled.
Kobi Michael, a senior researcher from the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, described the current scenario as akin to a “biblical event.” Speaking to Fox News Digital from the safety of his shelter in Tel Aviv, Michael emphasized the gravity of the situation.
Many Israelis, including Michael, have been confined to fortified rooms for extended periods due to the relentless missile barrage. Michael noted his familiarity with such situations, yet acknowledged the current circumstances demand both patience and resolve.
In a recent video address, President Trump asserted that the military campaign would persist “until all of our objectives are achieved,” a stance that Michael supports, expressing hope that the president maintains both the time and resolve necessary for success.
Throughout Tel Aviv, the Iron Dome missile defense system has been actively intercepting projectiles, with explosions lighting up the sky over the city.
Michael expressed confidence in President Trump’s unique ability to effect meaningful change, predicting that such changes could have long-lasting implications for the region and the global order.
As of Sunday, Tel Aviv remained under a state of emergency following Iranian missile attacks that caused casualties and widespread damage.
According to The Associated Press, Iranian missile and drone strikes have killed approximately 11 Israeli civilians and wounded dozens more in retaliation for the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
Shrapnel from missile impacts damaged at least 40 buildings in Tel Aviv, and authorities reported at least one death in the area from falling debris.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed the death of a Filipino national after a missile strike hit Tel Aviv on Saturday.
People take shelter as Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel following the US-Israeli attacks. ( Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“We enter our shelter once the siren is heard and stay there until the Home Front Command announces that we can leave,” Michael said.
“Usually, it is about 20 to 30 minutes — unless there are further sirens during our stay. Since yesterday morning, it has happened around 30 times.”
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog also visited an impact site in Tel Aviv Sunday, delivering a message of resilience.
“The people of Israel and the people of Iran can live in peace. The region can live in peace. But what undermines peace time and again is terror instigated by this Iranian regime,” Herzog said.
Israeli emergency service officer walks past building debris at the scene of a Iranian missile attack. (Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images)
Following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and roughly 40 senior Iranian officials, Iran formed a provisional leadership council.
Iran named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i to lead roles.
“The Supreme Leader did not complete the necessary groundwork regarding his own succession,” Michael added.
“Pezeshkian will face very troubling challenges due to their heavy losses, severe disruptions to control and command systems, and the massive bombing and attacks across Iran, including Tehran,” he said.
“Even if this regime doesn’t collapse, it will never be able to reconstitute itself, recover or return to its previous position,” Michael added.
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