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Israelis Begin to Return to Routine
(Telegraph-UK) Henry Bodkin - Since beginning its air campaign against Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure last Friday, Israel has imposed a form of martial law that allows only essential shops and businesses to open - all part of its effort to shield civilians from Iran's missiles. Yet, six days into this new war, life is gradually returning to Israel's streets. The mood in Israel seems broadly in favor of this war - you hear the word "existential" a lot. With multiple barrages each night on the opening days, Israelis were forced into their bomb shelters multiple times. In Jerusalem, Doron, a British-Israeli citizen who owns a coffee shop, believes his business just about qualifies for "essential" status. He said, "When is there never any danger? There's always danger. But life has to go on. The key is to be as safe as you can within your routine." Israelis are well used to living in circumstances of uncertainty. Any feeling of trepidation on the streets is as nothing compared to the atmosphere in the weeks after the Oct. 7 massacre. Many also remember the second intifada of the early 2000s - a prolonged wave of savage terrorist attacks, shootings, and suicide bombings on buses. On Wednesday, the IDF Home Front Command relaxed the rules to allow "limited activity," rather than "essential activity." It means up to 30 people can gather and businesses can reopen, providing people are able to reach a shelter in time. However, schools remain shut.