On the night of February 23, the Israeli Army’s Home Front Command announced the lifting of restrictions on towns along the border with Lebanon. Starting March 2, displaced residents from this area will be allowed to return to their homes.
This measure, approved by Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, follows an evaluation conducted in coordination with the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.
On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah opened the “support front” to Gaza by carrying out operations along the Israeli border, causing the displacement of over 60,000 residents from northern Israel.
The return of residents to northern Israeli towns is seen as a sign of progress towards the war objectives set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had repeatedly justified the war against Lebanon as necessary to ensure the security of these residents.
Despite the announcement, many families remain hesitant to return, fearing ongoing instability. In addition to the persistent security threat, the reconstruction of infrastructure remains a major challenge. Yediot Ahronot reports that Metulla, the northernmost city in Israel, is largely destroyed and will not be able to accommodate its residents immediately, despite promises of financial support.
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