In Jerusalem, the younger generation watches the escalation of the Middle East conflict with detachment

Israel is preparing for an imminent response, either simultaneous or staggered on several fronts, after the targeted attacks in Beirut and Tehran. In Jerusalem, in the heart of the city, on the terraces of cafes, conversations are more about the Olympics than the security situation.

In Rechavia, a relaxed residential neighborhood in Jerusalem, a young student sips his coffee: “I trust Israel, the defense systems, the passive defense guidelines. If I am told to do something, I will do it. And if not, then no!”

Shira, she, is optimistic or rather fatalistic: “I live in Jerusalem. I think it’s relatively safe here. Plus, we don’t have shelter at home. Let’s hope for the best. We can’t live in fear all the time. Every week there are new threats.” For Idan, the entire region is caught in an endless cycle. It is necessary to calm things down: “People in Lebanon and Iran don’t want war. So it’s a shame to end up with a conflict that no one wants!”

Did these young Israelis plan to stock up on provisions for an attack? “We bought loads of bottles of water,” Ella says, rather amused. At this point, the passive defense guidelines have not been changed, although as a precaution, several large gatherings planned for this weekend have been canceled.