David Azoulay, head of the Metulla settlement council, expressed concern over the possibility of another "October 7 scenario" at a time of Hezbollah’s choosing, the Israeli Channel 12 reported.

"Let no one deceive us; October 7 in the north will happen at the time Hezbollah chooses,” Azoulay said in a statement.

He further criticized the Israeli government, saying, "The prime minister doesn’t visit us or speak with us, the Cabinet doesn’t engage with us, and the Israeli army communicates with us only minimally."

"Everyone is currently focused on how to move forward and resolve the situation in the north," Azoulay added.

The Israeli official underscored that the threat of anti-tank missiles remains present and that the Israeli military has not eliminated it.

"They said they would ensure the safe return of residents to the north," he noted.

Referring to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon in place since November 27, Azloulay described it as inadequate, adding that it’s not safe to live in the north.

"We are like sitting ducks in a hunting field," he said, emphasizing that a different agreement must be reached, "or else an October 7 will also happen in the north."

Israeli ministers set date for northern settlers' return, vow benefits

Azoulay's statement comes a week after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and MK Ze'ev Elkin announced that March 1 had been designated as the target date for northern settlers to return to their settlements, following months of fleeing due to the recent war on Lebanon.

The announcement, made during a press conference, comes amid growing concerns about the state of the North and its readiness to welcome back settlers.

The return is coupled with a series of financial benefits to be offered to northern settlers who return.

According to the compensation plan, northern settlers who return to their settlements starting in March will receive grants of NIS 25,360 per adult and NIS 12,680 per child.

Evacuated settlers will be entitled to two separate grants. The first will assist with their return to their settlements and the second is intended to compensate returnees for the damage caused to their housing units that was not compensated by property tax authorities.

Meanwhile, Israeli media have highlighted significant hurdles to resettlement. A survey published on Friday by the initiative "Heading North" revealed that 93% of young Israelis displaced during the war have no plans to return, citing fear and uncertainty about the post-ceasefire period.

The damages to northern settlements are staggering, with direct costs estimated at 5 billion shekels and indirect damages reaching up to 4 billion shekels. Thousands of housing units, factories, and public infrastructure were heavily damaged, alongside critical systems like electricity and water.