Zionist media reports indicate that Hezbollah has neither been defeated nor is on the brink of defeat
The zionist publication, Yedioth Ahronoth, has highlighted that Hezbollah remains resilient in the north, despite growing concerns among settlers about potential setbacks.
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth has characterized the latest ceasefire accord with Lebanon as a “comprehensive execution of Resolution 1701 under the auspices of the United States,” noting the difficulties encountered by Israeli forces during the conflict.
According to a newspaper report, critics of the agreement within Israel fail to acknowledge key realities, notably that “Hezbollah was not defeated, nor was it on the brink of defeat.” Despite suffering considerable losses, the group “persisted in fighting” throughout the conflict, the report highlighted.
The article underscored a widespread sentiment among the Israeli populace, questioning why the Israeli military’s superior capabilities have not yet succeeded in establishing a new status quo devoid of threats or compelling Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and create a security buffer zone.
The report emphasized that individuals with a deep comprehension of Lebanon recognize that specific outcomes cannot be attained through military means such as tanks and rockets, nor through the destruction of infrastructure.
Tamir Hayman, the former chief of Israeli military intelligence, expressed similar concerns, acknowledging that the Israeli military did not meet its strategic goals in the offensive against Lebanon. Hayman admitted that the Israeli Defense Forces were unable to accomplish their objective of securing the quick and safe repatriation of settlers in the northern region.
Hayman commended Hezbollah fighters, highlighting that their “courageous engagement with the Israeli military underscored the notion that outcomes are determined solely on the battlefield.”
The recent ceasefire agreement has led to a sense of disillusionment among many Israeli settlers, particularly those residing in northern settlements. As Lebanese villagers make their return home, some Israeli settlers express dissatisfaction, arguing that the truce has neither secured a decisive triumph over Hezbollah nor fulfilled the war’s objectives. This growing discontent has sparked calls within Israeli circles to abandon the ceasefire and potentially reignite hostilities.
This sentiment aligns with reports from Israeli media, which indicate that residents in southern Lebanon are returning to their homes after the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Meanwhile, a sense of fear and frustration is reportedly widespread among settlers in northern border areas.
Israeli Channel 12 has highlighted significant “deep mistrust” between settlers in the north and the Israeli Defense Forces. The report indicates that the situation in the northern region has remained largely unaddressed for more than a year. In particular, the network referenced comments from a resident of Metula, which is situated on the border, who expressed concerns regarding their security. The resident stated, “Given our proximity to Lebanon, it is imperative that the Israeli military takes substantial measures to reinstate our sense of security.”
In the face of government appeals for settlers to return, skepticism abounds among the displaced population. Channel 12 reported that there are concerns over the lack of viable conditions for resettlement, with some claiming “there is no place to return to.” The upheaval has significantly impacted daily life, particularly disrupting educational activities as families grapple with the challenges of reestablishing normalcy.
Strategic advisor Eyalet Frisch has voiced criticism over the large-scale evacuation of approximately 100,000 settlers from northern regions during the conflict, labeling the move as a “strategic mistake” influenced by “hysteria over Hezbollah.” This sentiment was shared by former Israeli military spokesperson Avi Benayahu, who claimed the military demonstrated panic by carrying out the northern evacuation.
Channel 14 has issued a warning indicating that the government’s ongoing strategy could lead to the northern region facing challenges akin to the “Lebanon border envelope,” drawing parallels to the volatility experienced by communities adjacent to Gaza.
Moshe Davidovich, leader of the “Frontline Settlements Forum,” expressed deep dissatisfaction with the recent agreement, calling it “a somber day for northern settlers.” He argued it did not ensure a secure return for residents. Davidovich criticized the agreement, asserting that it was “not a victory,” and described the outcome as “1-0 in favor of Hezbollah.”
