The 1991 Gulf War changed the way Israel faced conflict forever
That year, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein attacked Israel with Scud missiles in response to the invasion of Iraq led by US President George H.W.
Bush.
In all, 39 missiles were launched against Israel, marking a historic moment: for the first time, the country was the target of long-range missile attacks from a country with which it did not share a border.
Before then, Israel’s wars had been fought on traditional battlefields, with tanks and planes, in places like the Sinai Desert or the Golan Heights.
But in 1991, Saddam’s missiles changed everything.
They hit not only soldiers, but also cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, putting civilians directly in their crosshairs.
It showed that the danger was no longer just on the front lines, but also in homes, schools and daycare centers.
The psychological impact and the need for change
The impact was enormous.
During the attacks, Israelis took shelter in sealed rooms, with windows covered with plastic and doors sealed with tape, not knowing whether the missiles were carrying chemical weapons.
Fear and a sense of helplessness were great, especially since the United States was pressuring Israel not to retaliate.
This experience made it clear that the country needed a new strategy to protect its people.
Before the Gulf War, the idea of “”creating a missile defense system faced a lot of criticism.
Some said it would be too expensive, others that the technology was unreliable, or that it would be better to invest in aircraft and attack strategies.
But after the 1991 attacks, it became clear that missile defense was essential.
Israel’s response
a protective shield:
Israel, known for its ability to adapt quickly, began developing a multi-layered defense system.
This system includes:
Arrow: designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, such as those launched by Iran.
David’s Sling: designed to deter medium-range missiles from places like Lebanon or Syria.
Iron Dome: aimed at short-range threats, such as rockets launched from Gaza.
Iron Beam: a newer laser system to reinforce defense.
This work began to take shape in the 1980s, when Israel and the United States signed an agreement to develop the Arrow system, as part of President Ronald Reagan’s “Star Wars” program.
But it was the Gulf War that transformed this idea into a national priority.
In 1991, the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) was created, which led the development of these systems.
Beyond military defense
protecting civilians:
The Gulf War also changed the way Israel protects its population.
In the 1990s, the government began requiring all new homes to have reinforced rooms, called mamadim, to serve as shelters.
In addition, more public shelters were built, and the country invested in early warning systems and campaigns to prepare the population.
While no defense system is perfect-and some missiles can penetrate the barriers-the difference is huge.
Today, Israel can intercept most missiles, unlike in 1991, when the country relied only on duct tape, gas masks, and instructions to “drink water” and remain calm.
Israel’s evolution and Netanyahu’s role
Another interesting point is the trajectory of Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now Israel’s prime minister.
In 1991, he was deputy prime minister and became the country’s main spokesman during the war, appearing on channels such as CNN, often wearing a gas mask.
His speeches conveyed calm and confidence, helping to show the world that Israel was resisting responsibly, even under attack.
Today, Netanyahu is no longer just talking to the cameras; he is leading the decisions in the leadership of the government, at a time when Israel not only intercepts missiles efficiently, but also has the ability to respond to attacks with precision.
From the past to the present
In 1991, Israel faced missiles with few resources and much uncertainty.
Today, the country has one of the most advanced defense systems in the world, as well as a much more robust infrastructure to protect its citizens.
While the challenges have grown-Iran, for example, has many more missiles and with greater precision than Saddam’s Iraq-Israel has also evolved.
The country not only blocks many of these attacks, but is also able to respond strategically, something unthinkable 34 years ago.
This transformation shows how Israel has learned from the past, becoming stronger and more prepared to face today’s threats.
Published in 06/15/2025 22h27
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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