Israel is on the edge 24 hours a day. Lot's of young men with guns and yes at times it can feel unreal. It has become a little better since the 80s but tension still exists.
I have recently returned from Taba in Egypt, some 25 miles from the Israeli border.
I stayed in a American owned hotel run by Egyptions. The hotel was full of Jordanians, Egyptions, Iraeli's, Russians and the token Brits.
All very peaceful, no trouble people enjoying their holiday. 30 years ago this was unthinkable.
Again though, security was tight, x-ray at hotel reception, armed guards on buses to and from the airport.