Displaced Israelis Express Anger and Distrust Over Ceasefire Agreement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the ceasefire agreement by emphasizing what he termed Israel’s “unprecedented achievements” during the past year of a conflict fought on seven fronts. He stated that Israel had pushed Hezbollah back “tens of years” and that the group was no longer what it had been previously. There was a strong emphasis on Israel’s capability to execute necessary actions—in Gaza, Lebanon, and other locations—despite international opposition. Netanyahu also provided significant justification for the ceasefire, explaining it would enable Israel to “concentrate on the Iranian threat” and affirming that his nation would retain complete military autonomy to counter any new Hezbollah threat. On Tuesday, Israel’s army reported striking 180 targets in Lebanon within the preceding 24 hours. On the Israeli side of the border, there have been continuous alerts regarding rocket barrages and drone attacks originating from Lebanon. Neither party wishes for this ceasefire deal to be perceived as a capitulation. However, Netanyahu is being accused of surrender by his political rivals, and even by some of his political allies. A poll conducted yesterday indicated that over 80% of Netanyahu’s support base opposed the agreement, and residents in northern Israel—many of whom have been evacuated from their homes—are also expressing anger. Nationally, however, public sentiment was more divided. One survey showed 37% of Israelis in favor of the ceasefire, 32% against it, and 31% undecided. Shelly, an English teacher in Shlomi, described the ceasefire as an “irresponsible and hasty political decision.” Rona Valency, who was evacuated from kibbutz Kfar Giladi on 8 October last year, conveyed her desire to return home and acknowledged the necessity of a ceasefire. Yet, she stated that the prospect of Lebanese residents returning to these villages caused her “a real sense of unease and fright.” From Kfar Giladi, the Lebanese village of Odaisseh is clearly visible across the valley. Rona remarked, “The only thing I can hope for is that Hezbollah will not infiltrate these villages and build a new network.” She added, “Apart from completely erasing these villages, and having no people there, there is no real physical thing that can make me feel safe. It’s just, you know, hope.” Her husband, Onn, suggested that the key to security lay not in the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but in people “understand[ing] again, where we live; understand[ing] some things that a lot of us forgot.” He expressed distrust in both the Lebanese army and the Americans to restore security along the border. Onn affirmed, “I trust only our army.” He further stated, “I think if the army won’t be there, it will be very, very hard to get the citizens back.” This conflict has yielded numerous military achievements for Israel: Hezbollah is weakened, its arsenals and infrastructure are depleted, and its solidarity with Hamas is broken. Nevertheless, Israel’s armed forces are fatigued, its economy is suffering, and tens of thousands of its residents remain displaced. Despite these circumstances, many in the region are urging Benjamin Netanyahu to continue the war in Lebanon, questioning why the prime minister, who has vowed to continue fighting in Gaza until “total victory,” is signing a ceasefire in the north.