Metula residents doubt US‑brokered ceasefire in Israel‑Lebanon conflict

In Metula, Israel’s northernmost town that sits on a finger of land jutting into Lebanon, locals watch an almost empty pizza shop and express deep skepticism toward the latest US‑brokered ceasefire proposal. “What ceasefire?” said resident Daniel Dorman, noting that the town has endured daily fire, drones and artillery for weeks. Others, like 58‑year‑old Moti Aharon, echo the sentiment, saying they “don’t feel any ceasefires.”

The ceasefire comes amid a renewed Israel‑Hezbollah war that began in October 2023 after Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Hamas. More than 60% of Metula’s homes are damaged, a third to half of the pre‑war population has not returned, and Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 4,000 deaths and more than a million displaced. Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are slated to meet in Washington for a fifth round of talks, while Israel maintains a security buffer zone about 10 km inside southern Lebanon. The previous ceasefire held for 15 months before collapsing in March 2024 following a series of escalations.