METULA, Israel (AP) — Ilan Rosenfeld navigates the charred remains of his cafe in Metula, Israel's northernmost town, surrounded on three sides by Lebanon. Over the last 40 years, he built his business, which is now reduced to rubble, with remnants of clay plates and scraps from Hezbollah rockets strewn across the site. “Everything I had, everything I saved, everything I built — it’s all burned,” he lamented, describing the emotional toll of watching his life’s work crumble. For him, each day begins with tears as he confronts the extent of his losses.
Rosenfeld is just one of the tens of thousands displaced as war erupted in October 2023 between Israel and Hezbollah, following an attack by Hamas in southern Israel. This conflict escalated to intense fighting, leading to significant casualties and destruction, particularly along the volatile border between the two nations. By September 2024, the situation had worsened, culminating in notable events such as Israel's strikes that killed Hezbollah's leader and resulted in extensive civilian casualties. A ceasefire was announced a month later, but tensions remained high.
Currently, under this shaky ceasefire, Israel's government reports most displaced individuals have returned home, although many remain wary due to ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon. In Metula, however, where conflict was particularly fierce, the town feels like a ghost town. With an estimated 55,000 people returning overall, Metula’s resettlement is slow; only about half of its 1,700 residents are back, and the streets largely linger in emptiness.
Residents who returned discovered that about 60% of local homes were damaged, with many facing pest infestations and structural issues. The local economy, reliant on tourism and agriculture, is in ruins. With a significant number of former residents reluctant to come back, business owners are hiring workers from Thailand to mitigate labor shortages. Jacob Katz, who runs a produce business, expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, “Most of the people who worked with us before the war didn’t come back.”
Rosenfeld’s cafe, formerly a hub for tourists, is now mere remnants. He currently resides in a small shelter amid rubble, marking a harsh contrast to his life before the conflict. Despite the Israeli government's assertions of financial support for recovery efforts, Rosenfeld stated that he has received no assistance despite his requests. Many in Metula feel neglected, demanding more resources to facilitate rebuilding. Avi Nadiv, the deputy mayor, stressed the need for greater government support, suggesting that residents along Israel's northern border serve as a frontline defense.
As Israel continues its military operations against alleged Hezbollah positions, the situation in Lebanon remains dire. Israeli airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties, with a recent U.N. report estimating at least 127 civilians, including children, have died in Lebanon since the ceasefire. Critics claim these strikes could amount to war crimes, while Israel defends its actions as necessary for national security.
In Metula, anxiety permeates daily life. Many residents, like Levav Weinberg, who returned to the town, grapple with their children's fears and the realization that the security provided by the army does not guarantee safety. Weinberg expressed doubt about the military’s capacity to protect his family, contemplating whether to leave once more. While the local government urges repopulation, the reality remains uncertain, leaving families weighing their futures amid a backdrop of lingering tension and insecurity.
