Scenes of Lebanese returning home infuriate Israeli media, officials
6 Min Read
Israeli media outlets have widely covered the return of Lebanese people to South Lebanon, despite warnings from the army spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
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People flash victory signs as they return to their villages in Tyre. (AP)
As soon as the ceasefire deal came into effect, many forcibly displaced Lebanese began heading home. Moments after the agreement was implemented, the Israeli army spokesperson issued a statement that Israeli occupation forces remain stationed in South Lebanon, in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire, and warned the Lebanese people not to return to villages along the occupied Palestinian borders, saying that they [occupation forces] will tell them when to return.
Yet, scenes pouring in from Lebanon's South to its North depict utmost resilience as people made their way back home, completely disregarding the Israeli warnings in defiance.
Reflecting on their frustration, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that the Israeli artillery fired five shells in the direction of the Fatima Gate, a key border crossing, intensifying tensions in the area.
Reporting from the outskirts of the western neighborhood in Khiam, southern Lebanon, she noted that Israeli tanks were moving through the eastern sectors of the town.
#WATCH | Lebanese displaced from South #Lebanon have started returning to their homes as the ceasefire agreement comes into effect. pic.twitter.com/NJckRbHywL
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 27, 2024
Our correspondent also emphasized that the Israeli occupation appeared to be deliberately intimidating returning displaced citizens, disregarding the impact of the bombardment on the local population.
As Lebanese return to villages, Israelis stay away – A symbol of Lebanese victory
Amid all this, Amichai Shtern, the mayor of Kiryat Shmona, expressed his strong opposition to the idea of having Israelis return to northern settlements, comparing it to sending them to their doom. He explained that despite his role as mayor, he no longer feels safe raising his children in Kiryat Shmona, noting that the homes in Lebanese villages are strategically positioned outposts.
Reflecting on the events of October 7, he claimed that the settler community is now acutely aware of the dangers posed by South Lebanon. Shtern also warned that in the coming years, no one will be able to ask the settlers of Kiryat Shmona to evacuate again.
Israeli media outlets have widely covered the return of the Lebanese people to South Lebanon, on the border with occupied Palestine, capturing a mix of frustration and disillusionment, despite warnings from the army spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
The Times of Israel reported that as residents of South Lebanon are already heading home following the ceasefire, the situation on the Israeli side of the border remains uncertain, with many settlers still avoiding the region.
Seth Frantzman, a Jerusalem Post journalist, lamented the situation, sharing footage of the Lebanese people returning home and decrying that this is not the case on the opposite side and decrying the Israeli claims of achieving "victory".
"This isn’t happening in Israel today, despite the various stories about this being a 'victory'," he posted on X.
While this is all putting on a brave face after; the fact is there is a contrast. This isn’t happening in Israel today, despite the various stories about this being a “victory”
— Seth Frantzman (@sfrantzman) November 27, 2024
Worth wondering about that https://t.co/2aC68aIdSq
Gabby Neeman, mayor of the northern Israeli city of Shlomi, was cited by the news outlet saying, on Army Radio, that there is currently no plan for the return of settlers. He expressed frustration over the lack of government compensation for losses and the absence of a commitment to invest in rebuilding the affected settler communities.
“Nothing is happening,” he lamented.
This comes as residents of southern Lebanon have been heading home from the moment the ceasefire came into effect with heads held high and smiles on their faces, proud of their victory.
Broadcasts have shown people returning to their villages, raising Hezbollah flags, and debris removal underway in Beirut's Southern Suburb. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers on the other side of the border have yet to return to their communities.
On the highway linking Beirut with south Lebanon, thousands of people drove south with their belongings and mattresses tied on top of their cars. Traffic was gridlocked at the northern entrance of the port city of Saida.
One commentator sarcastically remarked, "What an ultimate victory," in reference to Netanyahu's claim.
David Azulai, the Mayor of Metulla, expressed skepticism about the Israeli army's claim of being near the Litani River. He noted that the army's position is only two kilometers from Metulla and that no significant progress had been made. Debunking Israeli military claims, he emphasized that the military had not advanced by tens of kilometers.
Settlers in northern Israeli settlements expressed frustration over the agreement with Lebanon, with many criticizing its terms. In this context, Azulai, reflecting his right-wing stance, strongly condemned the deal, calling it a "disgraceful concession" to Hezbollah and accusing the government of leaving the northern settler communities to their fate.
He asserted that the Israeli military had not completed its mission and that the security situation in the North had actually worsened since October 7.
Amit Sofer, head of the Merom Hagalil Regional Council, argued that while the agreement may bring temporary calm, it fails to provide security, leaving settlers unwilling to live in an area where safety is uncertain. Meanwhile, scenes of people flocking to South Lebanon further fueled discontent among Israelis in the North.
Israeli media platforms expressed frustration, stating, “The Lebanese are celebrating their ‘victory.’ All they need now is a speech from Nasrallah to further boost their morale.”
Avi Issacharoff, an Arab affairs analyst for Yedioth Ahronoth, acknowledged that criticisms of the agreement with Lebanon are theoretically valid. However, he argued that the deal represents the lesser of two evils and considered it a reasonable approach. He emphasized the importance of valuing Israeli life, both civilian and military, and suggested that extreme slogans calling for the destruction or surrender of Hezbollah are unrealistic. Such actions, he warned, would likely lead "Israel" into a prolonged and unproductive conflict.
Read more: Northern Israeli settlements chiefs: Truce gives Hezbollah upper hand
