Almost everyday life in Israel again, escape from Beirut

Especially in older houses in big cities, rooms made of heavy concrete secured with steel doors and windows are missing. This is where most of them end up ballistic missiles from Iran, whose impacts make entire rows of houses uninhabitable. Israel’s air defense is recognized as the best in the world. But it is not complete.

Fewer missiles from Iran

Compared to 12-day war last June Iran fires significantly fewer missiles. Instead of hundreds in one night (as well as during the day), on February 28th there were dozens of rockets and drones that the Israelis launched into the Shelters, bunkers and subway stations hunted. After a week of war, they are even flying in single-digit numbers. However, through tactical timing and dispersion of targets, they continue to threaten almost two thirds of the population in a single attack.

With a resounding effect: in the first week of the war, 12 people were killed and over 600 injured in Israel. All victims were in irregular premises or outdoors. In Bet Schemesch A rocket fell directly onto a bunker. All occupants survived. But there were nine deaths and over 50 injuries among curious onlookers waiting in front of the bunker. “I shouted: You better come in,” remembers one survivor. The fact remains: If you follow the air raid protection instructions, you have a good chance.

Schools remain closed

Which does not necessarily apply to the instructions of all authorities. When the threat of attack noticeably diminished after four days of war, workers were allowed to return to work. Schools and kindergartens remained closed.

“Are they crazy,” one mother fumed, “I’m now in danger of being fired or are the children staying home alone?” A father asked, “Do I now have to teach my 9- and 7-year-old children how to lock the heavy armored door on their own?” One mother knew how to help herself: “I lock it from the outside. With a tablet, they can last nine hours without eating or drinking.”

In border towns that were exposed to the Hamas massacre attack on October 7, 2023, psychologists are even registering a new type of post-traumatic bunker phobia. Like Natali Ofakimwho prefers to seek shelter in the narrow hallway with her mother when the alarm goes off. “I’m more afraid of terrorists outside than of rockets.”

Attacks in northern Israel are increasing

If attacks from Iran are decreasing significantly, they are increasing in northern Israel. This is where she shoots Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah like in June on Israel’s border towns. As the most important ally of the Mullahs in the Middle East she watched this idly in June. But this time she shoots. Israel’s border residents are therefore not allowed to return to their jobs. Rather, the war is back, even if the army is not ordering an evacuation this time. In any case, a large proportion of the families evacuated in October 2023 have not yet returned.

Which does not apply to the southern Lebanese population. 300,000 civilians are on the run again after Israeli warnings. In winter and in a cold mountain landscape. Like the residents of the Shiite neighborhoods Beirutsin which Israel’s fighter jets bombed Hezbollah’s most important facilities in repeated waves of attacks.

It was also clear to the Hezbollah leadership that Israel would react harshly to new attacks. This time, however, she made no secret of the fact that the Islamic Republic in Iran is more important to her than the fate of the Lebanese population.

Donald Trump is undecided

For how much longer? Military experts speak of weeks. After more than two years of war, the Israeli and US armies’ missile inventories also show gaps. US President Donald Trumpon which the answer ultimately depends, answers as usual – sometimes like this, sometimes like that. weeks, it was said at the start of the war. A few more days, he estimated a little later. Rising gasoline prices and the midterm elections in the USA with dissatisfied voters are putting pressure on people.

The consequences of the war can so far be seen as positive. For the USA as well as for Israel. Last June, Israel fought on seven fronts. Now it is the mullahs in Tehran who find themselves surrounded. But once again there are problems converting military successes into political ones. If the regime in Iran survives, it would be a point victory for the mullahs. There is only one knockout victory for Israel.