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DW
12 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
How Israelis view the conflict with Iran – DW – 06/20/2025
As people in Israel wait out repeated missile attacks, some wonder how the conflict with Iran will impact the war in Gaza and the fate of hostages still held there. In one of Tel Aviv's underground bomb shelters — little more than a narrow corridor with thick walls — time seemed to stand still. There was no internet connection to get any information about the explosions heard outside, as exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran continue. "We can make the distinction by now what is an interception or a hit, but obviously you worry about how close it is or if someone you know might be in danger," said Lior, a young Israeli man who declined to give his surname, who was trying in vain to find reception on his phone. Since Israel attacked Iran a week ago, life in Tel Aviv has been dictated by the rhythm of phone alerts issued by Israel's Home Front Command and air raid sirens warning of incoming ballistic missiles from Iran. On Thursday morning, Iran launched another missile barrage at Israel. While most were intercepted by Israel's defense systems, some hit buildings in the city of Holon and the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, as well as the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheba in southern Israel, leaving a trail of destruction in the surgical ward. Israeli media reported that the complex had been evacuated the previous day. Israel: Hospital in the south hit after Iran missile attack To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'A very strange and unsettling time' Alerts come at any time, and it can take some time for the all-clear. "Life must go on, and we've been through many other crises, but this is certainly a very strange and unsettling time," Lior told DW. When another alert was recently triggered in the early morning hours, one of the missiles evaded the defense systems and hit a building just a kilometer (0.6 miles) away. The shelter shook from the impact, leaving people gasping. "It's scary. We understand that the missiles are deadlier and that the situation feels different from previous conflicts. I wonder how long this can go on for. People are already on edge from not sleeping most nights," said Shira, who also declined to give her last name. Many in Israel are scared by the attacks from Iran, but they also said 'life must go on' Image: Tania Krämer/DW Netanyahu eyes his legacy after October 7 attacks For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran is the greatest threat to Israel's security. Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, but Netanyahu believes it serves military purposes. Iran's leadership has vowed to annihilate Israel and its people, and Iran y also poses a threat through its ballistic missiles and its many proxies in the region. Netanyahu had threatened for years to attack Iran and reportedly came close it several times, but in the end, a larger conflict was always avoided. Instead, Israel fought a so-called "shadow war" against Iran through cyberattacks, rhetorical threats and against the many pro-Iranian proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen. But all this had changed last Friday June 13. "For many years [Netanyahu] chickened out. He was not really ready to take up steps that may end up with fatalities and destruction. So what happened now?" Akiva Eldar, a veteran Israeli journalist and commentator, told DW. Like other analysts, Eldar believes Netanyahu has to recover from "his "legacy" of the 7 October massacres. Some analysts believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjami Netanyahu wants to reestablish himself as a guarantor of Israeli security Image: Marc Israel Sellem/POOL/IMAGO Until 7 October, 2023, Netanyahu had presented himself as the ultimate safeguard of Israel's security. But this image was shattered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage in what has been described by many as the country's worst security failure. This also triggered the war in Gaza, where some 55,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli's war on Hamas began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Widespread Israeli support for attacks on Iran Netanyahu's domestic critics accuse him of not wanting to end the war in Gaza and of failing to agree to a new deal with the Hamas militant group that would secure the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. But his far-right coalition partners threatened to leave the coalition and trigger early elections if he ended the war without toppling Hamas. In light of his corruption trial, critics also accuse Netanyahu of using the war as a means of maintaining his hold on power. Following last week's attacks on Iran, which were widely praised on Israeli television broadcasts, Netanyahu appears to have corrected some of his failures. There is broad support among Jewish Israelis for the strikes in Iran. Some 83% back Israel's military operations and express their confidence in Israel's security institutions and preparedness for a prolonged conflict. That's according to an opinion poll conducted this week by Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. A recent study shows broad support among Israelis for the attacks on Iran Image: Matan Golan/ZUMA Press Wire/IMAGO In contrast, the majority of Palestinian Israeli citizens said they opposed the strikes and favored diplomacy over military action. In Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, Ronny Arnon looked at the widespread damage in his neighborhood in disbelief. A missile breached the defense system and hit a building, killing one person. "I am in the minority here, so many people are supportive," Arnon told DW on Saturday at the start of the Israel-Iran conflict. "Our prime minister is called the magician, because he knows how to make a show, how we are winning and beat all our enemies. We started a fire we don't know how to end." A window of opportunity One of the factors that paved the way for the attack was Israel's systematic weakening of Iran's regional proxies over the past months, analysts say. During the last direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel in October 2024, Israel claimed to have struck vital air defense systems, reducing Iran's defense capabilities and creating an opportunity to attack. In December, the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, another Iranian ally, was overthrown. Israeli military officials told DW this provided Israel the aerial freedom of movement it needed and paved the way for its air force to strike Iran. All eyes are now on US President Donald Trump, who is said to be considering whether the United States will engage alongside Israel in military action in Iran. Israel's attack on Iran: Dragging Trump into the conflict? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Although Trump had advised Netanyahu against resorting to military action, he has since changed his tune. This is despite the fact that his administration had pursued negotiations with Iran, mediated by Oman, regarding Irannuclear program. On Tuesday, Trump said that the US would not kill Ayatollah Khamenei "for now," but demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender." "[Netanyahu] feels comfortable that he can also drag Trump into this war," Eldar said. "And what will be remembered? Netanyahu will be the Israeli leader who saved us from another Holocaust," referring to the stated goals of Iran's leadership that Israel should be destroyed. Hostages and the war in Gaza But Israel also fighting on another front: The war in Gaza. In Tel Aviv's central Dizengoff Square on Wednesday, a small group of protesters held up large photos of the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Among them was the mother of Matan Angrest, a soldier who was taken hostage on October 7. "When the war in Iran began, we were really afraid our precious one, my son, will be forgotten there in Gaza, his situation is bad, his life is in danger," Anat Angrest told DW. "But a few hours later, I got a lot of messages from many Israelis that they felt that with the success in Iran, this will help to bring [the hostages] back." Protesters in Tev Aviv call for the release of Israelis held kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza Image: Tania Krämer/DW Angrest is critical of Netanyahu's government for not doing enough to bring her son and the other hostages home sooner. But she believes that a weakened Iran will lead to less support for Hamas and to the end of the war in Gaza. "We hope that the decision to act now is connected to Gaza; that it is part of a strategic plan and that the Israeli government will finally be able to end the war in Gaza," Angrest told DW. "Because when we take out the leaders of the terrorists, Iran, we can finish what we started in Gaza, and we won't be in danger anymore." Edited by: Sean Sinico
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli civilians told to brace for Iranian attack
Israelis have been told to brace for Iran's retaliation after the Israel Defense Forces's overnight strikes on Tehran's nuclear sites and military leadership. Queues formed at supermarkets as people stocked up on food, bottled water and alcohol in preparation for the expected bombardment. Other non-essential shops have mostly closed. Schools have also been shuttered and most public transport suspended as Israel Katz, the defence minister, warned that the country was now in a 'special state of emergency'. On what is usually the busiest day of the week, roads were largely empty and few people were seen on Tel Aviv's beaches after warnings to avoid public spaces. Some were, however, willing to take the risk. Lior and Noa Greenberg were at the dog beach with their poodle. 'We have a dog so we really have to go out,' Lior said. 'And we are being smart. We live close by but are not panicking. As far as we understand, we will know if we need to panic but we are not there yet.' The close-down measures began earlier on Friday when the military announced that 'Iran may carry out attacks against the Israeli population, against Israeli civilians', adding: 'There are special guidelines being updated constantly through the Home Front Command for Israeli civilians.' In contrast to last October's Iranian strikes, the Home Front Command has warned of a prolonged series of attacks. It told the Israeli public: 'During this campaign, we anticipate widespread alerts. It is crucial that you take shelter in the best way possible, whether in your private home or in public spaces – preferably in a safe room, shelter, or protected space approved by the Home Front Command. 'If there are no protected spaces near you, you must enter a stairway or an interior room.' Eight months ago, there was no talk of a 'campaign' of strikes in the army's warnings, as both sides were seen to have little interest in escalating the situation. Despite the alarming messaging, some thought it was important to keep life as normal as possible. At the Cafe Alma in Jaffa, it was still hard to find a table as it approached lunchtime. 'We are waiting to hear instructions but we have to keep living,' said Liat Dudman, who lives in the same street. 'We had a bit of a panic this morning but understand that the Home Front Command said there is no need to stay inside now so we just have to stay calm and live a little. 'We're not being reckless, we are within 12 minutes of reaching home, which is what we understand we need with the missiles from Iran, but this could be a long campaign ahead of us if we don't find a way to manage.' Up to 100,000 people had been expected to attend Tel Aviv's Pride Festival, one of the world's largest with special guest Caitlyn Jenner due to make an appearance. It has now been cancelled. Hospitals went into emergency mode and Beilinson, one of the biggest, opened its underground facilities and shielded complexes in case of any strikes. For Yousef Deek, one of many lining up with a trolley full of food for his family in the supermarket in Jaffa's Jerusalem Boulevard, the situation is one Israelis simply have to accept. 'This doesn't seem like it will pass quickly so we just have to get comfortable and make the best of things,' he said. 'We are all too used to war here so there is no choice but to continue to live. This time is no different.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Market Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Developing new therapies for traumatic central nervous system injuries
NurExone Biologic Inc. , an innovative biotech company pioneering exosome based therapies designed to help patients recover from traumatic central nerve system injuries. There's a lot happening at NurExone from the formation of a US subsidiary and a new CEO to lead that subsidiary to their plans for uplisting to a major US exchange and recent funding activity. Lyndsay Malchuk recently caught up with CEO, Shaltiel to an inside scoop on some exciting preclinical results and an upcoming scientific report that can mark a major step in the research development. The following is a transcription of the above video, and The Market Online has edited it for clarity . Lyndsay: I think the best place to actually start is with that US subsidiary. So tell us maybe a little bit about Exo-Top and can you tell us about the new Exo-Top CEO? Lior: Yes. So let's start with the context. We bought just recently in the end of last year, huge assets, which is the master cell bank in the US, a former US company. And these assets will stay in the US and this is the reason that we open the subsidiary there. The aim of the subsidiary is first of all to hold the master cell bank, develop it to a working cell bank and produce naive exosomes, which is the first step of our therapy for NurExone's supply, NurExone Ltd for further research and development for clinical phase. And because we are sitting on large assets, also offer exosomes in the highest standards as a B2B business for cosmetic, aesthetic and other vendors that would like to purchase it. Regarding the CEO, I'm very glad to have Jacob Licht on our Board. He came with more than 25 years of experience in a large pharmaceutical, including a lot of experience in operations and M&A. I think that bring NurExone to a new level. Speaking American and not just entrepreneurship Israelis. Lyndsay: Let's peel back just a little bit more here if we can. Now you've engaged with a number of North American investment banks in order to achieve that US exchange listing. So my question is, what can you share about that process, where it stands and what it means for NurExone's next phase of growth? Lior: Sure. So, we completed in April a $2.3 million Canadian dollar raise. We are well funded with the back wind of a very successful JP Morgan event in San Francisco. We got a lot of the attention from US and Canadian investment banks. And our plan is now to up list NurExone from Canada to a major stock exchange in the US in order to be in the right market. Because as you know, the majority of large pharmaceuticals that got into a clinic need to be on a major stock exchange with the support of the market and the liquidity. And we will get the support from these investment banks to raise in two steps pre IPO raise and after that a full IPO to a major stock exchange in the US. Lyndsay: How do you plan to use the funds to work and are you looking at any additional support from the government for grants in Israel? Lior: Yes, we are looking all the time non-governmental funds. We have interest from the Israeli defense ministry in order to apply NurExone products in the battlefield. I believe that it'll also be relevant for the US DOD, (Department of Defense). So non-governmental is of course one of the sources to support NurExone. But on top of that, as I said, we would like to use the raise now and the raise that we completed in April in order to proceed into a clinical stage company and provide all the necessary IND enabling study in order to submit it to the FDA. Lyndsay: I'm going to flip over here to go over some preclinical information that's exciting as well. So, the latest preclinical results around the ExoPTEN look really promising when it comes to improving motor function. So for you, what stood out in the findings? I mean, how does this move the needle for your research? Lior: That's a very good point. We changed models at NurExone, moving from a very, very severe and not physiological model, which is full transection the spinal cord, which we could see a motor sensoric and bladder functional recovery. But now we move to a more physiological in order to get more physiological data in a compression model, meaning that you're pressing the nerves and not cutting it. That's more of a fit to what happens to a human when you have an injury. And we see even stronger recovery. Okay. If you take a scale, the scale of motor recovery is even higher when you use the therapy. So this gives us a lot of hope that we are in the right direction. On top of that, we have also the results that we are getting more and more rats into the optic nerve damage showing the same strong recovery after just 18 days in an ERG. I think we are on the right track. We need to make sure that we have the whole package that the necessary for the FDA in order to translate our company to a clinical stage company. Lyndsay: Let's lean into that research further. I know that there's a scientific report that's coming out soon as well. So how big of a moment is that for you and what kind of response are you hoping for from regulators or investors or even potential partners? Lior: The correspondence with the FDA is critical. So one of the things that we want to keep is the dialogue. The last one that we had is in the end of 2023 when we completed the pre-IND. Since then we had a lot of progress. Our research became even more advanced, the production that we do in the 3D bioreactors is getting more advanced. So we have more questions today to the FDA and when sharing that we are getting ourself more focus, what is the right track? So, keeping the dialogue is critical and we are working with the regulator to help us bring the therapy further into a clinical stage. NurExone Biologic's website is and you can find them on the Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol NRX. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this stock on the NurExone Biologic investor discussion forum, and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here
