Day 10: All Eyes on Khamenei

For weeks, we’ve wondered if Trump would join - and last night, the United States launched the attack of attacks, basically obliterating the Iranian nuclear threat with zero casualties to the U.S. Air Force. The strike, code-named Midnight Hammer, was carried out using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. Invisible to radar and supported by drones, satellites, and fighter jets, they are straight out of a sci-fi movie. And with their $2 billion price tag, all nine of them essentially targeted the three top uranium sites and eviscerated them.

As of now, we are still awaiting confirmation on whether the threat is fully gone. Why? Well, there are rumors that the uranium was smuggled out of Fordow at the last minute. But even if that’s the case, Iran no longer has the tools to turn uranium into nukes - thanks to Israel’s extensive work last week and a coordinated Israeli strike during the U.S. operation, targeting missiles, drones, launchers, and military personnel.

And if the uranium is buried under the ash? The U.S. and Israel now control the skies, and it’s safe to assume any attempt by the IRGC to recover it will be stopped by the air forces that be.

This mission was the ultimate U.S. - Israeli coordination - and it’s funny to think that just two weeks ago, we were wondering if Trump and Bibi were feuding.

What’s Next?

But whether the nuclear threat is gone isn’t the only question of the night. Now we all want to know:

• Was this the final U.S. strike, or will they continue to be involved?

• How will Iran retaliate? Will they deescalate?

• When is this war going to end?

According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, “We are not at war with Iran. We are at war with its nuclear program.” He added that Iran’s program has been “significantly damaged.”

The situation is still unfolding, and only time will tell. It is up to Khameini what the next move will be.  But for now, both Israel and the U.S. are signaling that they are prepared for whatever comes next.

Iran’s Response and Global Reactions

Iran has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council and says it will not return to nuclear negotiations until foreign strikes stop. The global response has been mixed:

• Russia, Qatar, and Oman condemned the strike - yet are not offering to join in a war.

• Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern” and called for calm - though behind closed doors, they are reportedly ecstatic.

• France, Germany, and the UK urged Iran to return to talks and emphasized their support for Israel’s security - we’ve done them the favor of favors, and they know it.

At the UN, Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon responded to criticism by saying: “President Trump should be thanked for making the world a safer place.” Amen. Yes, he should. Israel is in heightened animation, waiting to see if Iran will escalate the attacks as their window is closing - but we have no clarity as of now.

On the Ground in Israel: Home Front and Security Updates

• The Home Front Command announced that current safety restrictions will remain in place until Monday evening.

• 24 casualties is the official number, with hundreds injured - mostly lightly - and about 10,000 homes destroyed.

• After several hours of airspace closure this morning, departing flights will resume tomorrow, following new safety protocols. Only 50 people per flight, though - so many are still getting out through Cyprus, Jordan, and Egypt.

• During this morning’s barrage from Iran, a strike was reported in Haifa despite no siren being heard. The IDF clarified that there was no malfunction in the alert system and that residents had received advance warning. The cause is still under investigation.

We had a nice 24-hour break from sirens over Shabbat, and now we just sit and wait. Thankfully, there have been no new casualties in a few days.

Hostages and Gaza Update

Israel confirmed the return of three hostages’ bodies today. All three were murdered on October 7. While heartbreaking, their return brings a degree of closure and lessens the pressure on Israel to include large-scale terrorist releases in future deals. Yonatan Samerano, Shay Levinson and Ofra Keidar. BDE. 

According to official counts: 50 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 20 are confirmed alive.

Government and military leaders welcomed the operation and emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring everyone home.

It’s nuts that we are still at war with Gaza - it feels like news from forever ago. Notice, though, how quiet Hamas has been. While they’ve separated themselves from Iran for the time being, they’ve clearly noticed that Trump means business. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re shaking in their boots as well.

In Other News

• Judea and Samaria: Operation Iron Wall Expands:In northern Samaria, Operation Iron Wall has been ramping up. Over the weekend, the IDF conducted simultaneous operations in 15 villages, targeting terror infrastructure and arresting suspects linked to recent attacks. Deterrence, my friends, is the name of the game.

• As the war continues, Israel’s civilian systems are adapting: The Ministry of Health issued emergency guidelines allowing hospitals to discharge low-risk mothers 12 hours after childbirth, to reduce strain on hospitals.

• New efforts are underway to speed up recovery for residents whose homes were damaged by missile fire. The “Renovating in Unity” initiative is bringing together government and private contractors to provide rapid repairs and rebuild homes.

• In the Region: Escalation in Lebanon and Syria: The U.S. ordered the evacuation of all non-essential diplomatic staff and their families from Lebanon, citing increased regional risk.

And as memes mocking the IRGC run amok on the internet, support for Trump and Netanyahu has grown exponentially. It’s not surprising to hear that on the back of that, Netanyahu has unofficially announced that he will be running again next term.

Will King Bibi keep his throne? Again, only time will tell. But the days of him being the most hated man in Israel feel like a bygone era. Have no fear, however - pretty soon this victory will be shadowed by new media attempts to defame his name.

As for us, civilians? We’re still here - resilient and sleeping in our bomb shelters, using social media as a form of therapy, and basking in the relief that Trump has, in fact, turned out to be a gift from G-d.

Stay safe, stay sane.
Meira