‘What ceasefire?’: In northern Israel, locals doubt an agreement can end the war with Hezbollah
‘What ceasefire?’: In northern Israel, locals doubt agreement can end Hezbollah conflict
A Quiet Town in the Crosshairs
What ceasefire - In the northernmost part of Israel, Metula’s streets echo with the absence of visitors. Daniel Dorman, owner of a local pizzeria, watches as only a handful of customers occupy two tables. The rest of the establishment, like the town itself, lies in near silence. Once a bustling hub for tourists, Metula’s charm has been overshadowed by persistent cross-border attacks. Its historic main street, HaRishonim, named after early settlers, now bears the scars of decades of conflict.
Metula, settled over 130 years ago, was briefly known as “Europe” for its European-style hotels and eateries. But the latest US-brokered ceasefire announcement in Lebanon this past Friday has not eased concerns. Residents, weary of relentless shelling, question its effectiveness. “What ceasefire?” Dorman remarked. “Until yesterday, every day brought fire. Explosions, drones, and artillery filled the sky. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been told peace is near. It never really lasts.”
Decades of Resilience
Before the recent escalation, Metula’s population of around 2,000 endured regular border clashes but maintained a sense of normalcy. That changed in October 2023, when Iran-backed Hezbollah intensified its rocket attacks toward northern Israel, supporting Hamas. The town became a focal point of the conflict, with over 60% of homes damaged. Nearly half its residents remain displaced, unable to return to their shattered lives.
For years, the community accepted proximity to war. Yet the current phase has tested their patience. Israeli forces, having pushed into southern Lebanon, now occupy a 10-kilometer security buffer zone. The toll on Lebanon has been severe: over 4,000 deaths and a million displaced people. Meanwhile, Israel reports 36 soldiers and four civilians killed by Hezbollah’s attacks. The repeated cycles of violence have left locals like Moti Aharon, 58, skeptical of diplomatic solutions.
“We don’t feel any ceasefires,” Aharon said. “The Americans don’t understand who they are dealing with. They think they can talk to Iran with silk gloves. It won’t work.”
Diplomatic Efforts and Skepticism
Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are set to meet in Washington for the fifth time since the war began. However, Hezbollah’s exclusion from these talks has fueled criticism. The group has called the discussions “a farce,” insisting they remain central to the conflict. An Israeli official hinted at a potential symbolic withdrawal, but locals doubt it will mark a true turning point.
The first ceasefire negotiated by the Trump administration in April 2024 provided a brief reprieve. Yet the agreement collapsed in March 2026 when Hezbollah retaliated against Israeli strikes, killing Iran’s supreme leader. This triggered renewed hostilities, with Israel reoccupying southern Lebanon. The military’s return to this territory mirrors its 1985–2000 presence, where a similar buffer zone was maintained until casualties mounted.
The Endless Cycle of Conflict
Since November 2024, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed Hezbollah’s strength was “pushed years back.” But the recent fighting has shown the group’s enduring resilience. Over the weekend, five Hezbollah fighters were killed in a single day, underscoring the unrelenting nature of the war. Aharon, reflecting on fifty years of conflict, noted the pattern: “They shoot, we shoot. Netanyahu can say we’ve won, but it’s nonsense. This needs root-level change.”
Iran’s insistence on ending the war has also complicated negotiations. While Washington has pushed for peace, Netanyahu’s resistance has created tensions. Despite US pressure, Israel continues its military operations, with the conflict showing no signs of slowing. For Metula’s residents, the promise of a ceasefire remains unfulfilled, as their town continues to bear the brunt of a war that refuses to end.