On October 7, Israeli Maj Gen Yair Golan heroically took charge amid a surprise attack by Hamas, personally rescuing six individuals from the Nova festival massacre, which claimed 364 lives. His actions have bolstered his political career as the newly elected leader of the Labor party, aiming to reinvigorate Israel's left amid a challenging political landscape. Concurrently, Israel faces escalating tensions along its northern border with Lebanon, where daily missile exchanges create a ghost town atmosphere, forcing approximately 600,000 Israelis to flee. In the Central Arava region, residents report nighttime drone activity, heightening security concerns reminiscent of the October 7 attacks, while local farmers struggle with theft and inadequate police response. Additionally, Tuvia Tenenbom’s new book explores the complexities within the ultra-Orthodox community, highlighting their diverse practices and societal contributions amid existential challenges facing Israel. The confluence of these issues reveals a nation grappling with internal and external pressures that threaten its stability.