The Iranian shelling, which targeted all of Israel, was massive. In central Tel Aviv, warning sirens sounded four times in a row – which is extremely unusual. People sought refuge in shelters. Every newer apartment has a room like this, which is intended to offer more protection. In older buildings there is at least one shelter. As a rule, it is located in the basement.
The residents then sit together there and wait for the sirens to fall silent and a few seconds later for the muffled detonations to be heard, indicating that Israel's missile defense systems have been fired. There were numerous detonations on Tuesday evening. The people of Tel Aviv took it with their characteristic equanimity. At first, some didn't even know that it was shelling from Iran.
A few hours earlier, the USA had warned that an Iranian attack might be imminent. Early in the evening, the waitress in a Tel Aviv wine bar explained to her guests what they should do in case of a missile alarm: “Just follow me. We're going into the building opposite.” At the same time, she also appeared relaxed. “Everything will be okay,” she said and gave the advice that the best thing to do was “have another glass of wine.” Half an hour later she too had to seek shelter.
Until a year ago, rocket attacks on Tel Aviv were comparatively rare. When they came, they came from the Gaza Strip, from Hamas or other armed groups. Meanwhile, rockets are being fired at the city on the Mediterranean from four directions. In the last few days alone there have been attacks from Yemen (by the Houthi militia), from Lebanon (by Hezbollah) – and on Tuesday evening from Iran. The regime there wanted to avenge the deaths of the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah as well as an Iranian general.
