Israelis Are Waiting for War With Iran, Again

Israelis are experiencing a tense mix of anxiety, resignation and anticipation as President Trump considers potential military action against Iran following his recent threats and ordered military buildup, which came after Iranian authorities launched a violent crackdown on mass protests demanding an end to the country's authoritarian clerical rule. The national mood reflects a complex relationship with the potential conflict, as Israelis have long viewed Iran as an existential threat due to its nuclear ambitions and support for hostile groups in the region. Meanwhile, concerns about the consequences of another major military engagement in the Middle East have many Israelis on edge, with memories of previous conflicts with Iranian-backed forces still fresh in the national consciousness. Trump's rhetoric against Iran intensified last month when protests erupted across Iran following the government's admission that it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people aboard, and the subsequent crackdown on demonstrators who questioned the government's honesty has drawn international condemnation.