Inside Israel’s ‘normal’: Triumphalism and calm mix after attack on Iran
World • 2d ago
**Normalcy Amidst Tension: Israel's Unfazed Response to Iran Strike**
In the aftermath of Israel's joint attack with the United States against Iran, one would expect a heightened sense of anxiety and fear among Israelis. But, surprisingly, life in the Jewish state has largely returned to normal. As one political analyst noted, "Saturdays are always quiet, but this time, it's almost as if nothing has happened."
Israelis have been on high alert since the attack, with many returning to their shelters for the second time in recent weeks. However, the atmosphere is eerily calm, with no signs of panic or chaos. This is a far cry from previous escalations, when Israelis would rush to stock up on essentials and huddle in shelters.
The Israeli government's triumphalist tone has contributed to the sense of normalcy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's apocalyptic warnings about Iran's supposed existential threat have been echoed by some opposition leaders, who have hailed the attack as a victory for Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid took to social media to tout the country's strength, saying, "The people of Israel are strong, the IDF is strong, and the strongest power in the world stands with us."
But not everyone is buying into the hype. Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament, Aida Touma-Suleiman, has expressed skepticism about the government's claims of being well-trained and ready for war. "It's crazy," she said, pointing out that Israel has been at war for decades and has experienced more conflict than any other country in the world.
The relative calm in Israel stands in stark contrast to the turmoil in Iran, where the government has retaliated with missile strikes and drones. As the region teeters on the brink of further conflict, one can't help but wonder what the future holds for Israel and its neighbors. Will the country's triumphalist tone mask underlying tensions, or will it fuel further escalation? Only time will tell.
For now, Israelis are going about their daily lives, seemingly unfazed by the recent attack. But as one analyst noted, "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that this is a ticking time bomb. The question is, how long will it take for the bomb to go off?"