Tel Aviv, Israel – June 18, 2025
Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Israeli settlers in major cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, are increasingly seeking refuge in subway stations and underground bunkers, fearing retaliatory missile attacks from Iran.
This development follows Israel’s recent overnight airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which have sparked global concern over the possibility of a broader regional conflict. In response, Iranian officials have vowed retaliation, prompting widespread anxiety and emergency precautions across Israel.
Local authorities have activated civil defense protocols, advising residents to stay close to protected spaces. Subway stations, initially designed for transportation, have been repurposed as makeshift shelters due to their reinforced underground structure.
“We’re living in fear of the unknown,” said Miriam Levi, a resident of central Tel Aviv. “People are not sleeping well. The tension is in the air, and everyone’s just trying to stay safe.”
The Israeli Home Front Command has ramped up alerts in the central and southern regions, urging citizens to adhere to air raid sirens and safety instructions. Meanwhile, emergency services remain on high alert, and public gatherings have been reduced or canceled in many urban areas.
The situation underscores the fragile state of regional security and the heavy toll it continues to take on civilian life on both sides of the conflict.