There is tension in the streets of Tel Aviv. Young people are the majority and many dress in military uniform. Many are armed with rifles. The facades are illuminated at night with the colors of the Israeli flag. And everyone seems to be waiting for the next step to take.
Pressure is high on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a new ceasefire in pursuit of the release of hostages. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has traveled to Egypt to discuss it. US President Joe Biden is pushing for more surgical operations but says that an agreement is not imminent. Meanwhile, the drums of war are beating. In Gaza. On the northern border with Lebanon or to the east with Syria. Even to the south due to the threat of the Yemen Houthis.
Because the war continues without respite. In Gaza the dead now exceed 20,000 – including more than 8,000 children – according to the enclave's government. The blockade remains total. Israel claimed this Wednesday to have discovered a vast underground network used by Hamas to move weapons, militants and supplies throughout the strip. This Thursday the Israeli army has also ordered the evacuation of a part of Khan Yunis, the main city in southern Gaza and an area until now labeled as “safe” by the army itself, according to the UN.
After two months of offensive, the swords are still raised and the United Nations Security Council has once again delayed the vote on a resolution on aid to Gaza in order to avoid the United States veto.
And in parallel, tension is growing in the region. On Wednesday, Israel attacked Hezbollah positions in Lebanon after denouncing the launch of surface-to-air missiles from the border. Continues this Thursday. Also on Wednesday, the Israeli press warned of its army's attack on Syrian posts "in response to projectiles fired from the Golan Heights." Tel Aviv also communicates that it will not tolerate attacks or threats from the Yemeni Houthis on Eilat, the main city in its southernmost tip and overlooking the Red Sea.
And it is in Eilat where some of the inhabitants of the towns bordering the Gaza Strip that were attacked by Hamas on October 7 live, now displaced.
So in the streets of Tel Aviv the hustle and bustle of uniformed men – at least one in every group of friends or family – does not stop. Olive green is fashionable. And walking the dog with a rifle slung over your shoulder becomes normal. Every moment of tranquility is taken advantage of while waiting for changes.
