Sirens have been heard throughout the entire nation of Israel. Everyone’s in bomb shelters. It’s official, Israel has launched a preemptive strike against Iran alongside America joining as well. Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared a national state of emergency according to the Civil Defense Law.

Things are getting serious. Major cities across Israel are opening their bomb shelters. China and Canada have advised their citizens to leave Iran immediately and avoid travel there until further notice. The Israeli Ministry of Health has distributed recommendations based on lessons learned from Operation Rising Lion with Iran, including guidance for hospital staff on dry bathing, sleep regulation, and coping with a prolonged war.

Analysts, strategists, commentators, and advisers are all discussing the potential cost of this war. It may not remain regional; it could very soon become much larger. There are Russian and Chinese warships near Bandar Abbas, outside Iran. The question may not be when this will happen, but whether it must be done—a determination toward the goal of defending the free world.

In a time when friendships between Israel and our friends around the world feel strained, it is heartwarming to see Modi, the prime minister of India, meet with our prime minister. This friendship is strong, even in a tense and intense time.