Habima Square is located in the center of Tel Aviv.
CNN spotted Einat, 62, and Aviad, 67, sitting in a pub, sharing a drink, hours after a pellet believed to be from an Iranian cluster missile landed on a nearby road and a day after two missiles evaded interceptors in the desert towns of Dimona and Arad.
Did they still have faith in the country’s air defense system to keep them safe?
Einat admitted there were concerns.
“It’s still better than doing nothing, but it’s definitely worrying,” she says.
Aviad was more optimistic.
“Cluster munitions cannot and cannot be intercepted,” he said, adding: “This is Russian roulette, and living in this country is also Russian roulette.”
Both said they were following government instructions to go to a secure evacuation center when the sirens sounded.
Most people CNN spoke to did not want to give their last names.
Jennifer Hassan Smith, 52, who was also enjoying a drink with her friends, said Iran’s increased use of cluster munitions actually made her feel safer. The explosive power of cluster munitions is much lower than that of missiles carrying a single warhead.
“Even if it falls, if we’re in a safe room, we’re completely safe,” she said.
The Israeli military says its interception rate remains above 90 percent. Orna, who didn’t want to reveal her age, told CNN she prefers spending nights in Habima’s underground parking lot than sleeping at home, but that level of success is enough.
“Nothing in this world is perfect, including air defense systems. Occasional casualties and deficiencies are to be expected. The military is drawing conclusions and learning lessons, and we hope that there will be fewer casualties in the future,” she said.
