Analysis: The dominant mood in Israel right now is not fear. It is relief

Amid the war with Iran, many expected Israelis to be overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or rage. The reality is different. Across much of Israel right now the prevailing emotion is relief, even as the fighting continues and sirens still blare.

There are several reasons for this.

One reason is the scale of the military success. It has gone far beyond what most people expected. With strong U.S. backing Israel has achieved near total air superiority over Iran within just a week of fighting. Strikes have systematically destroyed missile launchers, command centers, radar systems, and other threats. Very few people expected such dominance so quickly. For many Israelis it is a source of pride and relief.

Another reason is that while the human cost is heartbreaking, it is far lower than the catastrophic scenarios many feared. About a dozen Israeli civilians have been killed by Iranian missile strikes so far, including the tragic strike on Beit Shemesh that claimed nine lives. Thousands of missiles could have been fired. Instead Israel’s defenses and preemptive strikes have kept casualties far lower than many worst case prognostications. Every loss hurts deeply, but many Israelis see this as a painful but limited cost for confronting a major threat.

A third factor is psychological. This war has been looming for weeks and even months. The uncertainty and anticipation created enormous tension across the country. Now the confrontation is underway and Israel is clearly gaining the upper hand. Moving from endless waiting to decisive action has brought a powerful sense of release. The wait is over.

Above all there is a deeper reason. For decades the Iranian regime has openly committed itself to Israel’s destruction through proxies, missiles, terror networks, and its nuclear ambitions. Israelis have lived under that shadow for years. Now many feel that the greatest threat to their country may finally be weakening. The sense of relief from confronting that threat directly is difficult to overstate.

There is also genuine hope for the people of Iran. Many Iranians want freedom, prosperity, and normal lives. Some even hope for a different relationship with Israel one day. If this conflict eventually gives them a real chance at a different future, it is something many Israelis would welcome.

War is brutal. There is no escaping that reality. But in this moment the dominant feeling in Israel is relief. Relief that the confrontation many feared for years is finally happening. Relief that Israel appears to be prevailing