Israeli Missile tests - up-close

Israeli missile test this morning (Photo: JA)

Dear citizens of the world,

Ever since I moved to the Middle East, people have been asking about the security situation.

My honest answer is always something along the lines of - "Israel is actually quite calm, they have some of the best security in the world... in many respects I actually feel safer here than in many other countries."

This week, things have warmed up a bit:
  • Extremists from Gaza shot a few dozen rockets at Southern Israel (From the office window, I could see the anti-rocket defense system firing as fighter jets flew overhead, going 30km South toward Gaza) .
  • The newspapers are saying that Israel wants to make a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear labs.
  • The PA is pushing for statehood with the UN.
  • And now, Israel is testing long-range defense missiles....
A friend was stopped by the military because he was entering the test area... he got this shot of the smoke-trail with his phone. The most impressive was the sound and vibration of the launch from so nearby.

People all over Israel could actually see the tests. Even 40 kms North of here. An article in the local news about the tests:

Despite all the excitement, life continues as normal for most people and we don't feel any less-safe. Friday, a tasty lunch with friends and Saturday some tourism in Jerusalem, and Sunday back to work...life goes on.

-The United Statesian

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