‘We must finish the job’: despite living on the frontline, northern Israelis try to maintain normality | Israel

Residents of Metula, a northern Israeli town, described the previous night as “difficult” as sirens fell silent following a barrage of rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah and its sponsor, Iran. Despite the lull, the atmosphere remained tense with ongoing military activity and the sound of artillery fire.

Hezbollah Attacks and Israeli Response

The attacks, involving approximately 200 rockets and missiles and 20 drones, were timed to coincide with a simultaneous missile barrage from Iran, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. While no fatalities occurred, the attacks caused extensive property damage. To date, 12 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds injured by Iranian missile strikes during the conflict.

Hezbollah’s operation, dubbed “Operation Chewed Wheat,” references a Quranic verse and signals a heightened level of aggression from the group, which has been subjected to nearly two years of daily Israeli airstrikes.

Israel responded swiftly with airstrikes targeting locations across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Life Continues Amidst Conflict

Miry Menashe, co-owner of the Bela cafe in Metula, chose to keep her business open, stating, “The people of Metula don’t run away from rockets.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy for residents and soldiers who frequent the cafe for respite.

Shragan Shatil, a 77-year-old resident, expressed a belief that the war would only end with intervention from “Mr Trump” or through a continued Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.

Escalation Concerns and Economic Impact

Israeli military officials anticipate further escalation, potentially including a larger ground invasion of Lebanon. Yaakov Selavan, the deputy mayor of the Golan regional council, stated that residents expect the government to “finish the job” with Hezbollah, advocating for military advancement as far north as the Litani River.

The conflict has significantly impacted businesses and local administrations still recovering from previous conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism, a vital economic driver, has been halted. Israel’s cabinet recently approved increased defense spending, prompting concerns from the central bank about potential economic repercussions, including a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Resilience and Determination

Ravit Rosenthal, a maths teacher and principal in Kfar Szold, a border kibbutz, acknowledged the fatigue and trauma experienced by staff and students but expressed confidence in the Israeli army. She emphasized the need for resilience and preparedness for life in a conflict zone.

Pnina Bornstein, the head of Kfar Szold kibbutz, echoed this sentiment, stating that residents are committed to defending the country and view themselves as a crucial defense line.

In addition to casualties in Lebanon (634 killed and 1,586 injured), reports indicate over 1,300 deaths in Iran from US and Israeli strikes, and seven US servicemen have died. Approximately 12 civilians have been killed in the Gulf states or at sea due to Iranian attacks, resulting in significant damage to critical infrastructure.