Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the anticipated Iranian response, speculation has arisen about whether Israel will activate its underground bunker in the Jerusalem hills if a simultaneous war with Iran and Lebanon erupts.
The activation of the National Emergency Management Center (NEMC), an extensive network of underground bunkers in Jerusalem designed for state leaders during a combined attack, remains uncertain and will depend on how the situation evolves.
Preparations have been made to operationalize the NEMC, but sources suggest that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to manage any forthcoming conflict from the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, as he did on October 7.
Walla News reported that sources close to Netanyahu indicated that he, along with his wife Sara and son Yair, would use the underground complex if Iran retaliates against Israel for the recent assassinations. Speculation has been fueled by rumors that Sara Netanyahu was recently seen at the NEMC site, though the Prime Minister's Office has dismissed these reports as "complete fake news."
The potential activation of the NEMC is also linked to threats from Iran and Hezbollah to target Israeli officials with precision missiles in retaliation for the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures. Netanyahu, concerned about these missile threats, has frequently moved between various residences since the October 7 conflict, including the official residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem, a private apartment on Aza Street, a villa in Caesarea, and reportedly, a villa owned by billionaire Simon Falic in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood, which is said to have an atomic bunker. He has also stayed at the homes of close associate Zack Gertler and in various hotels.
* Ynet contributed to this article.