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Eitan Davidi, head of Moshav Margaliot in northern Israel, delivered a scathing critique of the Israeli government’s ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, warning of dire consequences for northern residents.
Speaking on Radio 103FM during an interview with Nissim Mishal and Natalie Shem Tov on Thursday, Davidi accused the government of failing to secure long-term safety for border communities.
“This is a scandalous agreement,” Davidi declared. “We never imagined we’d see the day when we’d have to sign such an agreement and return home under these conditions.”
For years, residents of northern Israel have lived under the looming threat of Hezbollah, which Davidi described as a relentless and well-armed adversary.
“We watched Hezbollah observing us, aiming their weapons at us. We thought we were heading into war,” he said.
While expressing solidarity with national efforts to address threats in southern Israel and rescue hostages, Davidi voiced frustration over the government’s handling of northern security.
Calls for a Secure Buffer Zone Ignored
Davidi criticized the lack of action on longstanding requests for increased security measures, particularly the establishment of a buffer zone.
“We repeatedly requested that the distance between us and the villages where Hezbollah terrorists live in Lebanon be extended to two or three kilometers,” he said.
“We tried to coexist peacefully for 18 years, but it didn’t work—they rearmed themselves in unprecedented ways.”
Reflecting on the recent military campaign, Davidi questioned the government’s strategy and objectives. “Why did we enter Lebanon? To destroy?
What is this victory in the North? How many terrorists did we kill? How many villages did we destroy? Our victory should have been ensuring residents can return home safely,” he asserted.
The lack of confidence among northern residents is palpable, according to Davidi. “If everyone says they don’t feel secure returning home and don’t want to go back, what does that say about the Israeli government?” he asked.
Sharp Criticism of Netanyahu’s Leadership
Davidi reserved some of his harshest words for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of long-term policy failures.
“I don’t trust the prime minister in anything he does—everything he touches fails,” Davidi said, pointing out that Netanyahu has led the country for 14 of the 18 years during which Hezbollah has strengthened its capabilities.
Netanyahu’s promises to respond to violations ring hollow, Davidi said, citing the high cost of what he called “buying time and quiet.” He argued that the government had squandered opportunities to weaken Hezbollah significantly.
A Grim Warning for Northern Residents
Davidi concluded with a stark warning to northern residents about the risks of returning to their homes. “Don’t go back. They’re sending us like sheep to the slaughter,” he said.
He raised the alarm about the potential threat from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. “If the Radwan Force enters the North, those who are lucky will be killed outright,” he cautioned.
As northern communities grapple with an uncertain future, Davidi’s words highlight the deep frustration and fear among residents who feel abandoned by their government.
The long-standing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain unresolved, leaving northern Israel bracing for what Davidi predicts could be a “fourth Lebanon war.”