IOF begin operations in northern settlements as settlers' return slows
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Israeli occupation forces have started clearing and rehabilitating northern settlements, but despite government incentives, many settlers, including 40% of Kiryat Shmona's settlers, are reluctant to return.
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Israeli occupation settlers stand next to the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon hit a residential building in Kiryat Shmona, in northern occupied Palestine, November 20, 2024. (AP)
Israeli media reported that the Israeli occupation forces have begun rehabilitation operations in northern occupied Palestinian settlements in preparation for the return of settlers, nearly a month after the ceasefire was reached.
The Israeli news site Walla confirmed that Israeli occupation forces are clearing areas used as gathering points during months of fighting, collecting military equipment, debris, and waste, and working on rehabilitating the settlements since the ceasefire was declared.
Additionally, the Israeli occupation forces have started a process of cleaning and clearing the northern settlements, with engineering teams and additional forces deployed across more than 40 settlements and the areas used for gathering.
This comes as Guy Biron, a correspondent for Israeli Channel 12 in the north, reported that Israelis were not accepting the security situation presented by the Israeli occupation forces. Despite government incentives and support, only a few settlers have returned. Biron also noted that, looking ahead, the situation does not appear promising, with about 33% of northern settlers not wanting to return at this time.
Avichai Stern, the mayor of the settlement of Kiryat Shmona, added that about 40% of the settlement's 22,000 residents have no plans to return.
33% northern settlers refuse to return, slam 'unfulfilled promises'
50% of Israeli settlers in northern occupied Palestine are taking sedatives, 33% do not want to return to their residences, and 36% of the displaced are receiving psychological therapy, the Israeli Channel 12 reported, citing the Tel-Hai Academic College.
Channel 12 concluded from the findings that settlers in the north do not accept the security assurances provided by the Israeli military, pointing out that very few have returned to their residences so far.
According to the Israeli channel, this percentage has risen by approximately 20% compared to eight months ago when a similar study was conducted, showing only 13% at the time.
The report also indicated that settlers "who were not evacuated from the north say their economic situation is worse than those who were displaced."
Moreover, 50% of northern residents, across all demographics, reported starting to take sedatives and sleeping pills over the past year.
Additionally, 36% of displaced residents and 24% of those who remained in their residences are seeing a psychologist.
Channel 12 also highlighted the concerns of northern settlers, reporting that "residents are deeply worried about the future, even if they do not return to their homes," adding that they are also frustrated with "unfulfilled promises and are waiting for tangible actions on the ground."
Earlier, the media outlet reported that data on the destruction in northern settlements show that 2,585 residences were damaged, including 1,000 with major damage, as a result of Hezbollah fire launched from Lebanon.
Earlier: IOF admiral in charge with settlement rehab resigns after six months
