Contrary to IOF advice, northern settlers refuse return: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
29 Jan 2024 14:24
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An Israeli newspaper reports that local authorities rejected the proposal to relocate northern settles into their original settlements without any security guarantees.

Israeli soldiers walk by a mobile howitzer in the north of occupied Palestine, near the border with Lebanon, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 (AP)

The Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom revealed that the relocated northern settlers have refused to comply with the IOF and Cabinet's proposals for their return.

The Israeli news outlet reported that local authorities rejected the proposal to relocate northern settlers into their original settlements as proposed by the commander of Brigade 769, Colonel Avi Mortsiano, who expressed his support for the return of the settlers to "Kiryat Shmona" and neighboring settlements, which are adjacent to the border exposed to Lebanese ATGMs and Hezbollah's operations. Local authority heads rejected the proposal without security guarantees.

According to the newspaper, the mayor of "Kiryat Shmona", Avihai Shtern, said, "The threats still exist in the north, so it is not possible to consider returning."

The newspaper pointed out that about 60,000 settlers have fled from the north since the beginning of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and many others remain in several settlements near the border where they struggle to live a normal life.

Israeli officials: Hezbollah overtook the north in 'simple effort'

Yesterday, it was reported that Gershon Hacohen, a general in the IOF, told Israeli Channel 12 that Hezbollah had succeeded through a "simple effort" of firing a few missiles and drones a day in preventing Israeli settlers from returning to their "homes".

According to the officials, the IOF commander of the northern region has received instructions not to escalate confrontations with the Lebanese Resistance.

Last week, Israeli media warned that the occupation entity is witnessing an unprecedented period and that the situation on the northern front is "extremely dangerous", whereas the internal front remains under imminent threat.

"Hezbollah entered the Gaza war just one day after the events of October 7 last year, and today when Israel proposed a ceasefire deal for two months in Gaza, Hamas rejected the proposal," Israeli Channel 12 said.

According to the media outlet, this deal could offer Hezbollah a way out without repercussions despite all the party's previous operations, "because there will be a permanent deal during those two months."