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Opinion

The Fragile Ceasefires: Managing Expectations in the Middle East

Why won’t Iran and Hezbollah surrender easily?
The Fragile Ceasefires: Managing Expectations in the Middle East
Israeli civilians spend time at the beach during a temporary ceasefire in the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on April 22, 2026. Simon Beni/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
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Commentary

A few weeks ago, Israelis were huddled in safe rooms or bomb shelters several times a day. This week, Israelis are back to normal. Schools have reopened, and people are attending concerts again. On the surface, life has returned to something resembling normal. But everyone in Israel knows the truth: Things can flip in a single day—especially in the north.

Tamuz Itai
Tamuz Itai
Author
Tamuz Itai is a journalist and columnist who lives in Tel Aviv, Israel.