Israel Confronts Harsh Reality of War As Iranian Retaliation Shatters Illusions

Israeli media and expert circles have reluctantly conceded that Iran has exposed the true face of war to Tel Aviv, dismantling the illusion of a swift, consequence-free campaign.

Following Israel’s pre-dawn airstrikes on Iranian territory Friday, initial euphoria gripped the Zionist regime.

However, that mood quickly vanished when Iranian missiles landed deep in the heart of occupied Palestine — including in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and other key areas.

The Israeli regime, replicating its failed scorched-earth tactics from Gaza and Lebanon, had hoped to incite internal unrest within Iran.

But this strategy collapsed instantly, as Iran — a nation far larger and more powerful than its Arab neighbors — proved impervious to such provocations.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Gaza, attempted to portray the aggression as a victory.

Yet within hours, Iran’s measured and effective response devastated Israel’s internal front and erased any illusion of triumph.

Analysts in Hebrew-language outlets confirm that the regime transitioned from reckless enthusiasm to panic, as the scale and precision of Iran’s missile retaliation became evident.

Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rishon LeZion, Bnei Brak, and Bat Yam — all home to strategic military and civil infrastructure — suffered severe and unprecedented damage.

Despite the military censorship imposed by the Israeli army, leaks from Hebrew media acknowledged dozens killed and hundreds injured in just a few days of Iranian retaliation.

Informed sources note that the real casualty toll is likely far higher.

Israeli authorities have severely restricted internet and communications access, attempting to hide images of destruction from public view.

An officer in Israel’s home front command admitted: “Since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, we had not experienced attacks that killed multiple people at once — now, this is happening daily.”

Yossi Melman, an intelligence analyst with Haaretz, described the situation as catastrophic.

“Israel is now paying a heavy internal price — dozens killed, hundreds injured, widespread destruction of infrastructure, all within a matter of days,” he stated.

Melman emphasized that Iran’s leadership, rooted in centuries of historical and religious continuity, has repeatedly demonstrated resilience under pressure.

Referencing the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, he recalled how Saddam Hussein had also bet on Iran’s quick collapse — only to face a united, resilient nation that emerged stronger with a powerful missile doctrine.

“Israel is entering a war of attrition it cannot win,” Melman warned, noting that Tel Aviv’s targeting of Iran’s energy sector could trigger a global oil crisis, drawing the involvement of powers like China.

He further urged Israeli officials to abandon the fantasy of halting Iran’s nuclear program through military means and instead pursue a political solution via Washington.

Michael Milstein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at Tel Aviv University, echoed the warnings.

He admitted that Israel initiated the conflict but grossly underestimated the consequences.

“This is not a war we can win with slogans or illusions. Iran will not surrender,” he said.

Milstein highlighted that Iran is not just resisting but building a deterrence strategy by systematically targeting vital Israeli infrastructure, security institutions, and senior officials.

He warned that this strategic posture sets Iran apart from previous enemies.

Nachman Shai, head of the Hebrew Union School at the Jewish Leadership Institute in al-Quds, wrote in Maariv that Netanyahu’s brief moment of triumph quickly gave way to a grim reality.

He said the Iranian missile barrage exposed the fragility of Israel’s internal front, bringing to light a deeply divided society incapable of enduring prolonged conflict.

“Despite the rising threat from Iran, Israeli society remains fractured. Our military edge alone cannot erase this existential threat,” he wrote.

Shai concluded that the current war could be the prelude to Israel’s internal collapse.