What it is about
Residents and politicians in northern Israel vehemently oppose the US-French ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah, fearing it may lead to future violence and insecurity.
Why it matters
Local leaders and officials argue that a ceasefire at this moment could empower Hezbollah to rearm and reorganize, posing a significant security threat to northern Israel and its residents. They emphasize that instead of temporary halts, decisive actions need to be taken to neutralize the threat permanently.
The Bigger Picture
In interviews and social media posts, Israeli politicians across the spectrum highlighted that the ceasefire could set a dangerous precedent, allowing Hezbollah to prepare for further attacks. There is a strong sentiment that security concerns must take precedence over international pressures for a ceasefire.
Voices from the Ground
Metula Regional Council chairman David Azulai articulated the fears perfectly, asserting that a ceasefire would “ensure the next October 7,” making future conflicts inevitable. Upper Galilee Regional Council’s chairman Amir Sofer revealed strong opposition as well, emphasizing the need for decisive action now rather than later.
Azulai added that recent skirmishes showed Hezbollah’s aggressive capabilities, underscoring the need for the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to eliminate these threats permanently. He stated unequivocally that the government has all the support necessary to confront Hezbollah effectively and provide safety to northern Israel’s residents.
“Time for War,” Not Ceasefire
Sofer stressed that these moments call for military action rather than appeasement. He pointed out that halting military operations now would not bring safety but would further delay the return of residents to their homes and expose remaining inhabitants to danger.
Expert Insights
Former Shin Ben senior official Yossi Amrosi added that a peaceful negotiation with Hezbollah should take place “under gunfire;” otherwise, it would only give Hezbollah time to reorganize and strike back harder. He further insisted that if a ceasefire had to occur, it should be extremely short.
Political Responses
Opposition Leader and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid accepted the Biden-Macron proposal for the ceasefire but recommended it last only seven days to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding. He emphasized that no proposal could be accepted without ensuring Hezbollah moves away from Israel’s borders.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich backed the aggressive stance, emphasizing that the operation against Hezbollah should culminate in “the total destruction of Hezbollah.” He warned that a 21-day ceasefire would merely offer the terror organization time to recuperate and plan further assaults.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for an emergency meeting of his faction in opposition to the ceasefire proposal. Otzma Yehudit chairman Yitzhak Kreuzer criticized the continued suffering of northern residents, who live in confined conditions as their homes are being destroyed.
Likud member and Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar called a ceasefire without substantial concessions from Hezbollah a grave mistake that would undermine Israel’s recent security gains, urging continued military efforts until reaching a decisive resolution.
This story was first published on jpost.com.