Israel declared a state of emergency on Saturday after Iran launched missiles in response to a joint US-Israeli attack. Schools and workplaces were closed, public gatherings were banned, and some hospital patients were moved to underground shelters for safety.

Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that tens of thousands of military reservists were being called up to reinforce land borders and support security operations. Police urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel so that emergency and security vehicles could move freely.

Despite the heightened alert, many Israelis in Tel Aviv reported feeling safe thanks to the country’s advanced air defence system. Some even visited the beach, expressing support for the operation against Iran.

Initial reports suggest little damage or injuries from the first Iranian missile strikes. Israelis continue to rely on bomb shelters and a nationwide alert system for protection.

This escalation follows last year’s 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, which killed over 30 people in Israel and more than 900 in Iran.