Confusion in all corners  

To say the people here are anxious and confused would be an understatement.

Everyone seems to agree that Iran, whether (a) directly, (b) through its proxies or (c) together with its proxies, will attack Israel to avenge our presumed killing of Hamas political head Ismail Haniyah in Tehran last week (for which we have not claimed or denied responsibility) as well as a series of Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon as well, for which we do take responsibility. That’s about the only thing that everyone seems to agree on.

How big will the attack be? No one knows but it is comforting to have that armada of US warships off the coast ready to come to our defense should we be attacked.  Thank you, President Biden.

When will it be? Who knows. Many people say it will come tomorrow, Monday. Just as many say Iran is waiting for August 12-13 when we observe the Fast of the 9^th of the Hebrew month of Av which commemorates the destruction of both Temples and a host of other catastrophic events throughout Jewish History. Poetic no?

Has Netanyahu gone rogue? Not sure. On the one hand he seems very much in control. Nevertheless, there are rumors on the street that he is ready to sack the defense minister as well as the Chief of General Staff, both of whom, with him, have been in charge of the conduct of our war with Hamas. Why would he do that?  Presumably because they disagreed with him one-night last week on the issue of accepting a cease fire/hostage deal and he “slapped” them down for that. Hearing dissent is not Bibi’s strong suit as we all know. But if history is worth anything, sacking those two would throw this country into chaos.  It would be one of the more idiotic things that the prime minister could do in the middle of a war and the response from our citizens will be overwhelmingly against the prime minister’s actions.

Overnight last night Hezbollah fired off over 50 rockets aimed for Irael’s north while this morning a terrorist went to the coastal city of Holon and started stabbing people in a park, killing three and injuring others, some seriously. Was that the start of the retaliation or just another day at the ranch?

So, are you totally confused? Well, we are as well. It seems that everyone is just waiting for the other shoe to drop and hoping that when it does the damage will be minimal.

One thing is sure. People seem to be doing only what they think must be done today and trying to stay close to home in case the sirens sound. Once again, most air traffic has come to a halt except for ELAL, the national carrier, trying to ferry home those who had tickets last week and this weekend on Delta, United, Lufthansa, Austrian, British Air, etc. all of whom have suspended service to and from Israel for fear of getting caught in the crossfire.

Is there room for optimism? Perhaps. The fear of mutual assured destruction may well be the elixir that prevents the worst from happening. Let’s hope the leadership in all the countries are familiar with word and its potential.