Nonplussed Israelis on Sunday, mere hours following Iran’s air assault.
Approximately 99% of Iran’s drones and missiles were successfully intercepted in the air by Israel, aided by forces from the US, Jordan, France, and the UK. This collaborative effort resulted in minimal structural damage, although a tragic incident occurred involving an Arab child when debris from a downed ballistic missile landed on her family’s home near Arad, according to officials.
The retaliatory strikes, prompted by Israel’s actions in Syria on April 1, seemed to have little impact on some Israelis as depicted in photos released on Sunday, showing individuals sunbathing in Tel Aviv and relishing the atmosphere of outdoor cafes.
Following the failed attacks, normalcy quickly returned to Tel Aviv with businesses resuming their operations within hours.
“My husband went for a walk at 8:30, the cafes were open, the beach was bustling,” mentioned Debbie Fenton from Herzliya. “Everything was back to normal. Israelis are accustomed to such occurrences. Being under attack is a part of their everyday life.”
A scene at a beach in Tel Aviv on Sunday post Iran’s drone and missile assault overnight on Israel.
Despite the unsettling situation, Jerusalem resident Ayala Salant expressed, “The situation is truly frightening, but we are immensely grateful for the alliance that supported us, resulting in the interception of most incoming aircraft and missiles.”
Lord David Wolfson shared via social media that his British parents encountered no disruptions during their stay in Jerusalem.
A man skateboarding while pedestrians stroll down a street in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Reportedly, there was a siren at 1 a.m., but both parents slept through it, shielded by double-glazed windows, metal exterior blinds, and fabric interior blinds. “All quiet currently. Dad went to the fruit shop and has a lunchtime appointment at Maccabi for ear wax removal. Will arrange cabs for both trips,” relayed his mother.
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange experienced a marginal decrease of less than 1%, reflecting a “slightly negative but not overly alarmed” response to the anticipated attack, as stated by IBI investment house chief economist Rafi Gozlan.
Despite this, several schools across Israel were scheduled to remain closed on Monday due to the ongoing security threat. Some ultra-Orthodox schools chose to open in defiance of the directives.
Parents of special-needs children affected by the closures expressed frustration, highlighting the challenges they faced in balancing work responsibilities with caregiving during these uncertain times.
The aftermath of the Hamas terror attack on October 7 significantly impacted life in Israel, with over 1,200 casualties recorded. Over the following six months, Israel’s actions reportedly led to the deaths of more than 33,000 Palestinians, plunging millions into a dire humanitarian crisis.