Israeli aviation officials breathed a little easier Tuesday afternoon after it became clear that they would not have to stop or juggle flights because of the arrival of a large ash cloud from Africa. The cloud, a product of the eruption of the Nabro volcano in Eritrea Sunday night, and prevailing winds sent the ash cloud that formed when the eruption occurred on a northwest course – aimed right for southern Israel.

Officials expressed concern Monday that the ash cloud would halt civilian flights to Eilat, and military maneuvers in the Negev. There was also concern for increased levels of air pollution However, there was no way to know it advance just how severe the effects would be; only on Tuesday would the situation become clear, they said.

But fears of major disruptions evaporated upon the cloud's arrival in southern Israel on Tuesday morning. The ash was far less concentrated than had been feared, and had reached a height of 15 kilometers, far higher than the height at which planes on the route to Eilat fly while over Israel. There was no reported worsening of air quality conditions in the area either.

However, Israel's isn't completely in the clear just yet: The volcano's eruption is continuing, and it's possible that several more ash clouds will blow into our vicinity. Officials said they would continue to stay on top of the situation.

The volcano has already been responsible for one diplomatic snafu: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is cutting short a three-nation tour of Africa, returning to the U.S. early Monday in order to avoid getting grounded in Africa as the ash cloud spread. Clinton left for the U.S. from Addis Ababa, where she address African diplomats, but left after American officials said that they expected the airport there to close due to the ash cloud. There was no word on when she would return to complete her visit.