CNN commentator Scott Jennings has found himself unexpectedly stranded in northern Israel as missile strikes ground flights and emergency sirens blare across the country. From his hotel balcony, Jennings captures the chaos unfolding around him, revealing tense moments and growing uncertainty. But amidst all this, there’s one thing he fears more than anything else. What is it? Get the full, dramatic details of his biggest fear below! 👇👇

CNN’s Scott Jennings and Caitlyn Jenner Among Americans Trapped in Israel as Fears of Wider War Mount: “Definitely Not Getting Out Today”

As the Israeli skies lit up with missile fire and air raid sirens echoed across cities, American commentator Scott Jennings found himself stranded in northern Israel, facing the very real fear of a full-scale war—one he said could even escalate to nuclear conflict.

“I’ve slept about two hours since I got here,” Jennings told the Daily Mail from his hotel in Tiberias. “It’s my first potential nuclear war rodeo.” He wasn’t alone in his concern—or his predicament.

Caught in the Crossfire

Jennings, a CNN political analyst and former George W. Bush adviser, arrived in Israel just days before the region plunged into chaos following a pre-dawn Israeli air assault on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The strike, which reportedly killed at least four senior Iranian commanders, prompted an immediate retaliatory response from Iran, including a barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

From his hotel balcony in northern Israel, Jennings watched fighter jets scream overhead, tracking their flight path across the region. “From my hotel balcony, I watched jets streaming overhead headed west to east,” he wrote. “Definitely not getting out today. Lol.”

He also noted that earlier in his trip he had already been forced to shelter in a safe room during a rocket attack in Jerusalem, describing the situation as both “tense” and “surreal.” He added, “Israel expertly carried out an attack on the enemies of Western Civilization, and I’m glad I had a front row seat. This place is very secure.”

Celebrities Seek Shelter

Jennings wasn’t the only American caught in the conflict. Caitlyn Jenner, who had traveled to Tel Aviv for Pride Week, found herself holed up in a bomb shelter, wine glass in hand, as rockets roared across the sky.

Posting a video to social media with the caption “Quiet night in Tel Aviv. Pray for us all. We will prevail,” Jenner tried to maintain a calm demeanor while sheltering alongside Israeli influencer Regev Gur. She later told Israeli television that she reassured her daughter, Kylie Jenner, that she was safe: “She urged me to stay safe. I told her, don’t worry, I’ll keep myself safe, and they’ll take care of me.”

Jenner also made visits earlier in the week to sacred and somber sites, including the Western Wall and the location of the October 7 Nova Festival massacre.

Flights Grounded, Airports Shuttered

With airports closed and flights grounded, Jennings and others like Washington-based reporter Matthew Foldi are stuck indefinitely.

“I’ve still got Wi-Fi and managed to grab lunch — but most of my meetings are off the table,” Foldi said in a radio interview, humorously noting, “I’ve already gotten a master’s degree in how to withstand ballistic missile strikes.”

Despite the tension, Foldi remained light-hearted about the experience. “I haven’t even been here 24 hours,” he quipped, “and I’m learning more about air defense systems than I ever thought I would.”

Iron Dome Saves Lives, But Tensions Persist

Israel’s Iron Dome was in full force during the weekend bombardment, intercepting many missiles aimed at population centers. However, at least seven locations in Tel Aviv were hit, according to IDF sources. Although no fatalities were confirmed as of Saturday morning, infrastructure damage and civilian fear have made the weekend one of the most precarious in recent Israeli history.

Military sources say this round of retaliation could stretch into days or even weeks, as Israel weighs its next move. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Iran’s attack “a red line,” adding, “We will respond.”

Meanwhile, American citizens abroad—especially in Israel—face continued uncertainty as embassies urge them to remain indoors, monitor travel advisories, and prepare for possible evacuation scenarios.

Commentary Turns Personal

For Jennings, known for his sharp political analysis on CNN and steady on-air presence, this was a moment where political theory collided with real-world chaos.

“The most tense time was waiting for the Iranian response,” he said, noting that while the drones and missiles were intercepted, the emotional weight of simply waiting for impact was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

Still, he offered a tone of resilience. “This place is very secure,” he repeated, praising Israel’s air defense and counterattack strategy. For a commentator used to parsing rhetoric and spin, this moment was raw—and very real.

Conclusion: A Reminder of Fragility

The stories of Jennings, Jenner, and Foldi offer a sobering reminder of just how quickly a global crisis can become personal. What began as a diplomatic standoff now has American citizens sheltering in bomb shelters, trapped by grounded flights and sirens, unsure of what will happen next.

And while Jennings tried to keep things light-hearted—“Definitely not getting out today. Lol.”—there was no mistaking the undercurrent of real fear. For all his years in political media, this was not a panel debate. This was war.

As tensions escalate, the world watches—and for those like Jennings and Jenner still stuck in the region, the hope is simple: survive today, fly home tomorrow.

Stay with us for updates on the ongoing situation in Israel, and the fate of the Americans caught in the crossfire.