Chaim V’Chessed is providing essential updates on how the developing conflict with Iran is impacting schools, travel, and government services in Israel.
Following the beginning of Israel’s attack on Iran, Chaim V’Chessed shared with Matzav.com what you need to know in the immediate future:

Following a series of precision strikes on Iranian nuclear installations, the Israel Defense Forces released a statement accusing Tehran of secretly pursuing a full-fledged nuclear weapons program.
“Iran has been secretly advancing a plan for the technological advancement of all parts of the development of a nuclear weapon,” the IDF stated, offering justification for the recent military action.

In a nationally broadcast address delivered early Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu spoke directly to the public following the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a sweeping air campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
Netanyahu characterized the offensive as a “targeted military initiative” aimed at neutralizing what he referred to as a “clear and present danger” stemming from Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range missile capabilities.

Israeli military strikes carried out early Friday reportedly resulted in the death of one of Iran’s most senior military leaders, according to Iranian state media.
Tasnim, a semi-official Iranian news agency, announced that “He was killed in a strike by the Zionist regime,” referring to Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Although unverified, multiple sources claimed that Fereydoon Abbasi, a nuclear scientist and former chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, was also among the dead. Abbasi had previously survived an Israeli-attributed assassination attempt over a decade ago.

In the wake of a powerful military offensive by Israel targeting key Iranian figures, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning, promising retribution against Israel for what he described as a grave act of aggression.
“The Zionist regime must expect severe punishment,” Khamenei declared in his response to the strikes. He continued, “The strong hand of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not relent. In the enemy’s attacks, several commanders and scientists were killed. Their successors and colleagues will immediately continue carrying out their missions, God willing.”

Israel’s recent preemptive military operation against Iran has drawn a swift and deeply divided response from lawmakers in Washington, with staunch backing from leading Republicans and some centrist Democrats, while others, particularly from the Democratic side of the aisle, voiced concerns that the move could escalate into a regional conflict and derail diplomatic efforts.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was unequivocal in his position: “Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!” His sentiments were echoed by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who declared, “Israel has an unquestionable right to defend itself” and added that he is “proud to stand with Israel.”

Israel has launched a major military action against Iran, designed to disable the Iranian nuclear threat. Iranian retaliation is expected. Rachmana litzlan!
As we all understand, these are extraordinary times. Let us gather together in our batei knesios, batei medrashos, and homes to pour out our hearts in fervent tefila to the Shomer Yisroel that He protect the yoshvei Eretz Yisroel and all of Klal Yisroel from the evil designs of our enemies.
And, as the footsteps of Moshiach get louder and louder, let us recall our mandate to be metzapim lyshua, yearning for the ultimate redemption, may the Go’el Tzedek arrive speedily in our days!
{Matzav.com}

A flight carrying Rav Ezriel Auerbach, renowned posek and rov in Bayit Vegan, Yerushalayim, was diverted from its original destination at Ben Gurion Airport Friday morning, following the sudden closure of Israeli airspace due to Israel’s attack on Iran and expected retaliation.
The plane, which had departed from New York’s JFK Airport, was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv but was instead rerouted mid-air, reportedly heading toward Cyprus.
Israeli authorities ordered the shutdown of national airspace amid heightened regional tensions, prompting the diversion.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement in response to Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion, a military offensive aimed at Iranian targets.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” he said.

In a dramatic display, a group of bochurim from Yeshivas Zvhil in Yerushalayim staged a provocative mock funeral inside the yeshiva beis medrash, protesting the recent closure of the yeshiva and their expulsion.
Approximately 60 talmidim were dismissed from the yeshiva as part of a move by the hanhalah to close and reopen the yeshiva under new terms. The yeshiva’s management says it will soon relaunch in a revised format.