Israel’s War with Iran Is Also a Psychological Battle
Israel’s current conflict with Iran comes after one of the longest and most complex periods of conflict in our country’s history. In many ways, the situation feels familiar, sirens, emergency alerts, instructions to move to safe spaces. Israelis are responding automatically, as if following a routine learned over years of war.
But beneath the surface of this conflict lies a more difficult reality. Each new escalation puts a strain on a society already physically and emotionally depleted. Israelis are entering a next phase without the time needed to truly process what they have already endured. At NATAL, Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, we call this condition “rolling trauma”. It is not a single traumatic event with a beginning and an end, but a continuous process where new threats repeatedly reactivate layers of unresolved stress and fear.
This stress and fear often manifest through psychological triggers, where the body and mind react as if a past trauma is occurring all over again. Even as people appear to be functioning by maintaining their jobs, caring for their families, and following safety instructions, their internal state tells a different story. They may be navigating heightened anxiety, irritability, emotional flooding, or persistent sleep difficulties. Understanding that these reactions are normal and predictable under such circumstances can reduce distress. When people recognize that their responses are a natural human reaction, they are less likely to become frightened by the fear itself.
In recent days, we have already seen a surge in calls to the NATAL Helpline. Some callers are reservists who fear returning to service while still carrying the weight of prior PTSD. Others are wounded veterans and people with disabilities who must navigate repeated alarms with limited mobility. We hear from civilians who were inside shelters under sites of impact, who felt their entire world shake as missiles struck nearby, and from parents struggling to find the words to explain such a reality to their children. When sirens are frequent and moments of calm are scarce, both body and mind remain in a prolonged state of high alert.
In periods of such intense pressure, simple psychological anchors become essential. Under stress, people often withdraw from those around them, which is an understandable but isolating response. Yet connection remains one of the most powerful stabilizing forces available. Whether it is a conversation with a friend, sharing concerns with a family member, or checking in on someone else who may be struggling, these small acts help reduce loneliness and restore a sense of stability.
Routine is a lifeline, even when it feels fragmented. Simple, everyday actions are a quiet reminder that life continues. Limiting exposure to news helps as well; staying informed is important, but remaining glued to a screen for hours is draining. Physical movement, like a short walk or breathing exercises, helps regulate the body and lowers the persistent sense of high alert.
Uncertainty is one of the heaviest burdens during wartime, especially after months of being pushed to our limits. Yet resilience is not the absence of fear. Resilience is the act of continuing to function and care for one another, maintaining our daily lives even as the conflict continues around us. By showing up for each other and staying connected, we find the strength to endure this together.
