No need to fear, God has us Israel in triumphant mood after unprecedented strikes on Iran

Repidation mixed with triumphalism in Israel yesterday, after an unprecedented attack on Iran's military and nuclear programme brought ordinary life to an abrupt halt.

- Emma Graham-Harrison

The country's main airport was shuttered "until further notice" with no flights expected for days, and hospitals began moving hundreds of vulnerable patients to emergency underground facilities and sending home anyone who could be discharged.

From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, streets that are normally crowded at the start of the weekend were empty yesterday morning, with most shops and cafes shuttered.

There were long queues at the handful of places still open as people rushed to get supplies of essentials - canned goods for some and espressos for others.

"I am not giving up on my coffee, but I'm heading back home now," said Guy Weinberg, 30, who had been woken by sirens at 3am and spent the night in a shelter with his sister and niece.

Nearly two years into Israel's longest war, people have got used to air raid alarms warning of missiles fired by Yemen or rockets from Gaza. But this felt different, he said. "After seeing all the people who have been killed there, it is clear [Iran] will try to attack back. We don't know where or when, but we are ready."