US Envoy Amos Hochstein Praises IDF Withdrawal as Evacuees Express Concerns Over Return

In a significant diplomatic development, US envoy Amos Hochstein expressed his satisfaction with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawal from the western sector of Lebanon, marking a step toward complete Israeli disengagement from the region. Speaking in Lebanon after meetings with top officials on Monday, Hochstein confirmed that the withdrawals would continue until all IDF forces were out of the country. However, an Israeli official clarified that Israeli forces will need to remain in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire ends on January 27, pending further developments.

Meanwhile, evacuees from northern Israel remain uncertain about returning to their homes. A survey conducted by the Smith Institute revealed that 44% of evacuees are undecided about their return, while 5% have decided not to return at all. In Kiryat Shmona, 8% of evacuees have opted not to return. Among those planning to return, half expect to do so within two months, but security concerns remain a significant barrier to their decision.

The survey, which was presented at a Knesset conference on Monday led by Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen, also highlighted the positive feedback evacuees received regarding support services such as education, housing, and healthcare. Additionally, many evacuees appreciated the security arrangements during the evacuation.

However, the survey underscored several areas that need improvement. Many evacuees expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation they received, which they felt was inadequate to cover their losses. Additionally, a significant number of evacuees voiced concerns over the deterioration of their sense of community, with some fearing the breakdown of communal ties.

Regional differences also emerged in the survey results. Residents of Shlomi and Metulla reported varying levels of satisfaction, with Metulla residents particularly concerned about community disintegration, while Shlomi evacuees were most dissatisfied with compensation levels.

MK Meir Cohen responded to the survey’s findings, calling it a "wake-up call" for the government. He emphasized the urgency of addressing security concerns, improving compensation, and preserving community cohesion. "We cannot allow the north to be left behind," Cohen stressed. The upcoming Knesset conference, he added, represents a critical opportunity to develop concrete solutions rather than offering empty promises.