If only Israelis had the motivation of Lebanese: Israeli official
2 Min Read
Lebanese civilians continue to demonstrate resilience, returning to rebuild their lives despite ongoing threats.
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A mannequin with military clothing used as a decoy stands in the Kibbutz Manara, northern Palestine, on the border with Lebanon, January 5, 2025. (AP)
A senior Israeli officer has acknowledged the lack of motivation among settlers to return to northern occupied Palestine following the conclusion of the war and the expiration of the 60-day deadline for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
#شاهد..دخول الأهالي إلى بلدة #حولا اللبنانية عقب انسحاب قوات الاحتلال منها.#الميادين #لبنان_ما_بعد_الستين pic.twitter.com/KtNQSC4s6D
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) January 27, 2025
In an interview with the Israeli journalist Rubi Hammerschlag with broadcaster KAN 11, he cited what he described as a senior officer commented, "If only we could see the same motivation among the residents of northern Israel as we do among the residents of southern Lebanon to return to their homes and destroyed villages."
The statement came amid ongoing tensions as thousands of displaced Lebanese residents returned to their border villages, despite Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians in the forward villages, resulting in two deaths and 17 injuries, including a child and a medic.
"برفع الأعلام وتوزيع الطعام، الاحتفالات تعمّ أرجاء بلدة #الطيبة حيث يحتشد الأهالي تحت تحليق الطيران الحربي الإسرائيلي.
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) January 27, 2025
مراسلة #الميادين فاطمة فتوني تنقل هذا المشهد من البلدة التي دُمّرت دبابات الميركافا على أعتابها👇#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان_ما_بعد_الستين @ftounifatima pic.twitter.com/4O5nLpQ3Ni
Read more: Israeli troops continue killing spree on civilians in Southern Lebanon
Adding to the controversy, David Azoulay, head of the Metulla Council, strongly criticized the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, describing it as a "surrender deal" with Hezbollah. Speaking to KAN 11, Azoulay accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of signing a deal that undermines "Israel's" security. He warned of its long-term implications, stating, "Residents of Kfar Kila, Adaisseh, Khiam, and other southern villages will return, rebuild their homes, grow stronger again, and execute another October 7 in the north."
Azoulay's remarks reflect growing frustration among Israeli officials who view the ceasefire as a capitulation to Hezbollah, allowing the Resistance to rebuild its strength. Many believe the deal does little to prevent future conflicts, as Hezbollah regains its foothold in the region.
Meanwhile, Lebanese civilians continue to demonstrate resilience, returning to rebuild their lives despite ongoing threats.
The White House announced earlier in the day that the ceasefire would be extended until February 18, 2025.
