A week after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect, many Israelis have resumed daily routines, returning to offices, schools, cafes, and beaches. Yet beneath the surface of normalcy, exhaustion and anxiety linger after six weeks of sirens, missile fire, and disrupted lives. Parents describe struggling to shift abruptly from bomb shelters and remote work back to ordinary schedules, questioning how to process weeks of fear so quickly.

Public opinion reflects deep ambivalence about the pause in fighting. Polls show that a majority of Israelis expect the conflict with Iran to resume within a year, and many oppose the current ceasefire agreement. Few believe the war achieved its stated goals, and many view the outcome as inconclusive, leaving Iran’s leadership and military capabilities largely intact. Independence Day celebrations have already been canceled in several cities amid continued security concerns.

Some Israelis argue the military campaign was necessary to confront a long-standing threat, while others say the country was already too strained for another major confrontation. Trauma specialists report that weeks of disrupted sleep and constant alarms have left many in a state of heightened alert, even as public life rebounds. While Israelis are known for resilience and a rapid return to routine, mental health professionals warn that suppressed stress and existential anxiety may carry lasting consequences.