Netanyahu hid at US billionaire's 'missile-proof' home before Iranian attack
As fears of an attack from Iran grew, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family spent their weekend at a 'missile-proof' residence owned by billionaire Simon Falic. According to Walla, they had been using the villa in Jerusalem as a hideout even before Iran's attack on Saturday. They previously sought shelter there when the war started last October, alternating between this residence and their home in Caesarea. However, in recent months, they returned to their private apartment in Jerusalem.
US billionaire's residence becomes Netanyahu's safe haven
The fortified residence, located in Jerusalem's Talpiot neighborhood, is owned by American Jewish businessman Falic, a co-owner of the Miami-based duty-free retail company Falic Group. The property is believed to house a bunker. Falic is also the son of one of Netanyahu's largest American donor families and a close family friend. The prime minister's eldest son, Yair Netanyahu, who currently resides in Miami in the United States, also lives in an apartment owned by a close millionaire.
Netanyahu used villa when he was head of the opposition
Reports about the Netanyahus using the villa first surfaced in 2021, when the PM was head of the opposition. According to Haaretz, the Falic family donated millions of dollars to the West Bank, including the Jewish community in Hebron and groups advocating for the construction of a Third Temple in Jerusalem. The family, supported by Donald Trump, was previously investigated for alleged participation in a scandal in which Netanyahu was accused of allowing donors to fund his foreign visits.
Iran launches first direct assault on Israel
Late Saturday, Iran launched its first direct assault on Israel, deploying over 200 drones and missiles. The attack came nearly two weeks after Iran warned Israel of retaliation over the killings of seven Iranians, including its Quds Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Iran had said it reserves the right "to take a decisive response" after an airstrike by suspected Israeli warplanes hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
Iran defends actions as retribution for "Israeli crimes"
Tehran defended its actions as retribution for "Israeli crimes," referring to the strike at its consulate in Damascus. Although Israel has not confirmed or denied involvement in this consulate attack, the Iranian mission to the United Nations warned of a considerably harsher reaction if Israel were to make another misstep. However, it also declared that Iran had now "deemed the matter concluded."
