Northern Israeli Local Leaders Express Concerns Over Potential Ceasefire Deal

Local leaders in northern Israel have voiced strong opposition to a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, expressing concern that it may fail to address the critical security needs of communities along Israel's northern border.

Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, warned that a ceasefire without provisions to ensure the security of northern communities would be disastrous. He emphasized that for a ceasefire to be acceptable, it must include a security arrangement, such as the establishment of a buffer zone near the border, the deployment of a strong international force, and the removal of Hezbollah forces from areas south of the Litani River. Davidovich highlighted the importance of protecting these communities, noting that Israel’s northern residents form the country’s first line of defense.

“We do not want to find ourselves repeating history, facing the same failures as after the First and Second Lebanon Wars,” Davidovich added. "The residents of the North are Israel’s first line of defense, and as such, their security must be ensured."

Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avihay Shtern also voiced his discontent with the potential ceasefire. He termed the agreement a "surrender agreement" in a Facebook post, rejecting any deal that would return the region to the precarious security situation of October 6, when northern residents faced the threats of captivity, violence, and destruction. Shtern made it clear that his community would not cooperate with such an agreement.

The potential ceasefire deal, brokered by the U.S., proposes a 60-day truce in which Israeli forces would withdraw from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese military would take control, preventing Hezbollah from entrenching itself further in the area. However, concerns remain about the long-term security of the northern Israeli communities, many of which are still displaced due to the ongoing conflict since October 7, 2023.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly invited the heads of regional councils from northern Israel to discuss the details of the ceasefire proposal, signaling a potential effort to address the concerns of local leaders.