Tel Aviv, Israel’s vibrant coastal hub, was rocked by chaos on the night of June 13, 2025, as Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israel’s airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites. Sirens blared across the city, forcing residents into bomb shelters as explosions lit up the skyline. The attacks, which followed Israel’s largest-ever assault on Iran, marked a grim escalation, leaving Tel Aviv’s famed resilience tested like never before.
Missiles Rain on Tel Aviv
Iran’s state media claimed “hundreds” of missiles targeted Israel, with Tel Aviv and Jerusalem bearing the brunt. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting many, but several struck Tel Aviv’s central district, igniting fires in residential buildings. Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing a high-rise, with shattered glass littering streets. “We hid in the stairwell, praying,” said Rina Cohen, a Tel Aviv shop owner. The Home Front Command issued urgent alerts, giving residents just 90 seconds to reach safety.
A City Disrupted
The strikes crippled Tel Aviv’s daily life. Ben Gurion International Airport, a lifeline for travel, shut down, stranding thousands, including Indian tourists and workers. Air India canceled all flights to Israel, with a spokesperson stating, “Passenger safety is our priority.” Schools and businesses closed, and public transport halted as the city braced for more attacks. “Tel Aviv feels like a ghost town,” a local journalist told me. The economic hub, known for its tech startups and nightlife, faces an uncertain recovery.
India’s Concern
India, with strong ties to Israel, is watching closely. Over 40,000 Indian citizens live in Israel, many in Tel Aviv’s tech sector. The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory urging Indians to “exercise extreme caution” and contact the embassy. Rising oil prices, up 6% to $76 per barrel, threaten India’s economy, as Iran’s retaliation could disrupt Gulf supplies. “This conflict hits our wallets and our people,” said a Mumbai-based trade analyst.
Resilience Under Strain
Tel Aviv, often called Israel’s “bubble” for its upbeat spirit, is no stranger to conflict, but this attack feels different. Hospitals are treating dozens of injuries, mostly from shrapnel and panic-related incidents. Volunteers are distributing food and blankets to those in shelters. “We’ve survived worse, but this hurts,” said a Tel Aviv nurse. The IDF has bolstered air defenses, but Iran’s threat of further strikes looms large, testing the city’s resolve.
Global Ripple Effects
The international community is on edge. The U.S., backing Israel, deployed additional forces to the region, while Russia and China condemned the violence. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for “urgent de-escalation” to avoid a wider war. Social media in India reflects fear and solidarity, with posts urging peace. “Tel Aviv’s pain is a warning for us all,” a Delhi student wrote online. The strikes have also sparked debates about Israel’s use of AI-driven defense systems, partly developed with Google, raising ethical concerns.
A Fragile Future
As Tel Aviv cleans up debris and counts its wounds, the city’s spirit faces its toughest challenge. For India, the stakes are personal—expats, trade, and regional stability hang in the balance. Will Tel Aviv’s resilience hold, or has Iran’s assault changed the city forever? As the world awaits Iran’s next move, one thing is clear: peace feels further away than ever.
Also read: Israel’s State of Emergency: Tehran Strikes and the Fear of All-Out War
Last Updated on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 4:09 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Saturday, June 14, 2025 4:09 pm | News Categories: News, Latest
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