For Israelis, the fight for the existence of their state is no longer geopolitical news - strategies to defy the constant threat have long been part of their everyday life.
Tel Aviv - Anyone at the epicenter of a nuclear explosion dies instantly. The radioactive fireball that spreads within seconds after a nuclear bomb is dropped burns hotter than the sun. Even kilometers away from the impact, people are hit by the huge pressure wave - and suffer internal bleeding and lose their hearing. High-rise buildings collapse. Entire cities collapse in seconds.
According to experts, the Iranian regime is close to being able to develop and drop such a nuclear bomb. The most likely target of a nuclear attack: the arch-enemy Israel. In a square in Tehran, the countdown is already underway to the destruction of what is currently the only democracy in the Middle East. The “Israel remaining time clock” counts the days until 2040, by which time the “prophecy” of destruction is said to have been fulfilled.
Despite drones from Iran: joy of life instead of fear of death in Israel
The clock on the clocktower at the end of Yafet Street in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, shows Israeli summer time. Families stroll through the sun-drenched streets. On Givat Aliya Beach, the joyful cries of children can be heard coming from the water, and an older, retired couple is sunning themselves on beach loungers. Yuval came from Givat Ram to swim with her three-year-old daughter, who is playing enthusiastically in the sand.
Her mother is amused when she asks if she is afraid of a nuclear attack. “You know, we've been hearing about the atomic bomb for twenty years now. So it’s nothing special,” she says and laughs.
In the middle of Israel: bathing beach with bunkers
There is actually no sign of the sword of Damocles, a permanent military threat, far and wide - but only at first glance. The sand-colored building on the beach not only houses a restaurant and public toilets, but also a small bunker - which, however, offers little protection in the event of a nuclear strike.
After Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles into Israel last weekend, crowds cheered in front of the “Israel remaining time clock.” For the first time in history, Iran had attacked Israel directly - instead of indirectly, as by supporting terrorist groups. As the Netanyahu government prepares for military retaliation, the enemies of the only Jewish state hope that Israel's final hour will soon come.
Israel vs. Iran: The enemy of my enemy is my friend
The threat of annihilation has accompanied the heartbeat of the still young nation since its founding 76 years ago. Just a few hours after the declaration of independence, the neighboring Arab states attacked Israel.
Former war enemies became partners: Jordan took part in defending against Iranian missiles. Before the attack on October 7th, Saudi Arabia and Israel had also become closer. Israel is not the only state in the region that is hostile to Iran. This is also emphasized by 26-year-old Moshe, who grew up in a Jewish-Orthodox family but now lives a secular life and follows the news about the war every day.
Israel, Iran and Saudi Arabia: “I don’t want another North Korea in my neighborhood”
“The Iranian regime has already caused significant damage in the Middle East. I fear that if states like Saudi Arabia continue to oppose extreme Islam, a Cold War-like nuclear arms race could ensue. In such cases, sanctions are the only option, but they have already been imposed - to no avail.”
The young man looks serious, but not afraid. “I'm not worried about Israel, but about the whole Middle East. I don’t want another North Korea in my neighborhood.”
Humor – a proven weapon for Israel
Other Israelis beat the worries with humor. Like Uri, who invites acquaintances to Jerusalem every weekend to celebrate the Sabbath together. On Friday last week he didn't want to make an exception. Iran had already announced its attack, but had not yet fired any missiles.
So an unusual round of introductions was born out of a geopolitical crisis: With a mini national flag of Iran in their hands, each guest introduced themselves by name and shared with the group their plans for the remaining 48 hours of their lives. With lots of laughter, wild plans were quickly made for the “last” weekend of life.
Further protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
But not all Israelis feel like laughing at the current geopolitical situation. Hamas is still holding 133 hostages in the Gaza Strip. Many Israelis support the planned retaliatory strike against Iran, which played a key role in the planning and implementation of the October 7 massacre. But protests against the Netanyahu government have continued since the Israeli army lifted temporary security restrictions. It is to be expected that things will remain uneasy in Israel.
However, next week's Passover celebration could provide hope. Then the country celebrates the resilience and survival of the Israeli people, who freed themselves from Egyptian slavery 3,000 years ago. (
Isabel Knief
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