From my balcony tonight, I observed Iranian ballistic missiles appearing as small points of light streaking slowly through the atmosphere. Starting around 7:30 PM, they glided across the sky like distant yellow stars—a sight that would be awe-inspiring under different circumstances.

Today’s missile attack by Iran was anticipated. Earlier, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari had indicated that U.S. partners had identified preparations for an Iranian missile launch targeting Israel. The IDF alerted the public to follow emergency procedures and assured that “our aerial defense systems are fully prepared.”

Since Israel intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the public braced for retaliation from Iran, but warnings came sooner than many expected. By 4:30 PM, people flooded into the streets to return home, leaving offices early in anticipation of potential danger.

As a parent, I hurried to pick up my kids from their after-school activities. On my way back, I stopped for gas to prepare for possible service disruptions during emergencies. A long line awaited me at the station, a testament to shared anxiety. By the time I arrived home, Israeli officials and media were portraying the impending attack as more serious than the one witnessed in April.

During the previous strike, Iran had launched 170 drones and 120 ballistic missiles, which took hours to reach their targets and provided more time for preparation. Tonight’s situation was markedly different; reports suggested an imminent attack within a shorter, uncertain timeframe.

Minutes before the 7:30 PM strike, Israelis received alerts instructing them to seek shelter in safe rooms or bomb shelters. Many homes in Israel have designated safe spaces, while others rely on public shelters located in basements. Our family gathered in our safe room equipped with a radio for updates, while I ensured we had bottled water on hand, then stepped out onto the balcony to witness the unfolding events.

Having experienced the previous missile attack, I knew that the trail of Iranian missiles and the Israeli interceptors could often be seen before the sirens sounded. In some cases, the missiles might not pose an immediate threat to one’s location, even as alarms were triggered due to potential shrapnel from interceptions. As in April, I could see the IDF’s Arrow interceptors launched before hearing the sirens.

What took me by surprise was the sheer number of ballistic missiles overhead, which continued in waves for nearly 20 minutes. Sirens fluctuated, but the missiles were visible in groups and lines, creating a stunning display of burning orbs—a mesmerizing but unnerving sight, reminiscent of meteors entering the atmosphere.

According to the IDF, around 180 Iranian missiles were launched, flying over Jerusalem and targeting central and southern Israel. While some missiles were intercepted, it was evident that others completed their path, as later videos on social media showed impacts across Israel. Initial reports indicate at least six fatalities from the strike.

Prepared as Israel might be for this eventuality, witnessing numerous Iranian missiles overhead is deeply unsettling, reminding me of Iran’s formidable capabilities and their coordinated attack strategy. Such actions could signify Iran’s intent to establish a new norm of aggression toward Israel, having engaged in direct confrontation twice this year.

In the aftermath, Israeli officials have vowed to respond robustly to Iran’s actions tonight. With the immediate threat seemingly over, the night has settled into an eerie calm, devoid of the sounds that would signal another incoming attack. Tomorrow will reveal how quiet the country—and the region—remains.

LĂSAȚI UN MESAJ

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