Israeli settlers furious after looming ceasefire deal approval

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
26 Nov 2024 22:30
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Israeli settlers of northern Israeli settlements express outrage over the looming ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, calling it a betrayal of their security and warning of future threats from Hezbollah.

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The Israeli Iron Dome fires to try and intercept rockets launched from Lebanon, near Kiryat Shmona, as seen from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, October 26, 2024. (AP)

Widespread anger is erupting within the Israeli occupation over the imminent ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, particularly among settlers of northern settlements.

David Azulai, head of the Metulla settlement council, declared that he "will not allow residents to return to the border settlement."

"I urge residents not to return or settle in the north. Go and spread out in Tel Aviv. Farewell to Israel—let us abandon the north," he said.

Eitan Davidi, head of the Margaliot council, described the agreement with Lebanon as "a crime against northern residents."

Doron Shinbar, spokesperson for the Kiryat Shmona municipality, criticized the "false promises of the Israeli government," saying, "We demand what the government and its prime minister pledged—absolute victory, not an agreement of submission."

Dudu Stroll, a settler from Kiryat Shmona, sent a message to Netanyahu, stating, "Without security and calm, we will not return."

Meanwhile, the head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, which includes several settlements in western al-Jalil, warned that "Israel will face a stronger and more resilient Hezbollah in the coming years if the agreement is signed." He expressed concern, saying, "We will pay in blood for this."

Netanyahu: Israeli cabinet set to approve Lebanon ceasefire

The Israeli security cabinet will agree this evening on a truce deal with Lebanon, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, shortly after the occupation military launched a series of unprecedented heavy airstrikes that targeted several areas across Lebanon, including central Beirut.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent said that the Israeli occupation government announced its approval of a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

In a pre-recorded video address, Netanyahu claimed that "with the full understanding with the US, we are maintaining full freedom of action" against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"If Hezbollah violates the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack," he vowed.

The Israeli premier, attempting to maintain an image of victory despite multiple criticisms leveled by officials against the ceasefire, pointed out that "the duration of the ceasefire depends on what takes place in Lebanon," adding that "the war will not end until we achieve all our goals, until we return the residents of the north safely home."

Netanyahu outlined three reasons for agreeing to the ceasefire at this time. First, he indicated that the truce would allow "Israel" to "focus on the Iranian threat."

Second, he highlighted the importance of providing rest for troops and replenishing weapon supplies, admitting that "there were delays, and big delays, in weapons shipments," without directly referencing the Biden administration.

The Israeli premier said that the "delay will soon be released," hinting at the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

He added that the third reason is to isolate the Palestinian Resistance group Hamas, which would enable "Israel" to retrieve the captives held in Gaza.

More than a year has gone by since the beginning of the war on Gaza and "Israel" has still not succeeded in retrieving the captives by force, as the Palestinian Resistance continued to highlight that they would only be returned through a ceasefire agreement.