Caitlyn Jenner was forced to take cover in a bomb shelter during a visit to Tel Aviv for Pride events as air raid sirens sounded across the city amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Why It Matters
Israeli citizens were ordered to head to bomb shelters on Friday night amid retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. The Iranian strikes came in response to strikes by Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military commanders, which killed 78 people and injured more than 320.
The strikes mark an escalation in the longtime tensions between the two adversaries, fueling concerns of a wider war—particularly about the possible involvement of the U.S., which has military bases in the region.
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What To Know
Jenner was forced to seek shelter amid the air strikes on Friday. The former Olympian and reality TV star had traveled to Israel to attend the city’s annual Pride Parade, which was canceled because of security concerns following Iran’s missile attacks.
Shortly after the strikes, Jenner was photographed sipping a glass of red wine inside a bomb shelter alongside Israeli influencer Regev Gur.
“What did you do during the alerts? Because I’m drinking wine with Caitlyn,” Gur wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a photo of the pair.
Jenner shared updates with her followers on X, first posting a dramatic photo of the night sky above Tel Aviv streaked with missile trails and smoke.
“‘Quiet’ night in Tel Aviv. Pray for us all. We will prevail. I am happy to stand with Israel today, now more than ever,” she wrote on Friday.
Later, she posted from inside a shelter: “We are back in the shelters in Tel Aviv. This looks like it is the third wave of attack from Iran.”
Speaking to Channel 12, Jenner confirmed that she had been in touch with her family throughout the ordeal. “I spoke with my daughter Kylie, and she urged me to stay safe,” she said. “I reassured her, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll keep myself safe, and they’ll take care of me.'”
Jenner added that she didn’t tell any of her six children that she was coming to Israel until she was on the plane.
As Jenner landed in Tel Aviv, she posted on Instagram: “What a special place. I’m here to stand with those who believe in hope, not hate.” She added emoji of an Israeli flag, an American flag and a handshake.
What Happens Next
Both Israel and Iran are expecting continued strikes.
