Israel’s northern frontier town doubts diplomacy can end its war with Hezbollah

In Israel’s northernmost town of Metula, life has slowed to a near-standstill, with businesses largely empty and residents skeptical that diplomacy will bring any meaningful relief, according to a CNN analysis of the border community.

Daniel Dorfman, who runs a pizza shop in the town, said the situation has left his restaurant deserted for weeks. 

Perched on a narrow strip of land projecting into Lebanon, Metula is usually a seasonal tourist destination. Built more than 130 years ago, it was once nicknamed “Europe” for its hotels and cafés along HaRishonim Street, named after the pioneers who founded the settlement. But today, that image has been replaced by damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and an atmosphere of permanent insecurity.

A new US-brokered ceasefire announcement in Lebanon was met with skepticism in the town.

“What ceasefire?” Dorfman told CNN. “Until yesterday there wasn’t a single day without fire. All day, interceptions overhead, explosions, drones, artillery. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been told there’s a ceasefire. It never really is.”

Before the war, Metula had a population of about 2,000 people. Since October 2023, when Iran-backed Hezbollah began firing rockets toward northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas, the town has been among the hardest hit communities along the border. According to CNN, more than 60% of homes have been damaged, and between one-third and half of residents have not returned.

Israeli and Lebanese representatives are expected to meet again in Washington for another round of talks aimed at ending the conflict, though Hezbollah has dismissed the process as “a farce."

A previous ceasefire brokered by the Biden administration had largely held for 15 months before collapsing in March, leading to renewed fighting, Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, and heavy casualties on both sides. Lebanese health authorities say more than 4,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced, while Israel reports dozens of military and civilian deaths.

Local resident Moti Aharon, whose home and guest facilities were damaged, expressed deep distrust of diplomatic efforts.

“We don’t feel any ceasefires,” he told CNN. “The Americans don’t understand who they are dealing with. They think they can talk to Iran with silk gloves. It won’t work.”

For many in Metula, the broader geopolitical negotiations taking place in Washington, Tehran, and other capitals feel disconnected from daily life on the ground. Mayor David Azulai has criticised national leadership, while others fear that any future withdrawal of Israeli forces from a buffer zone could expose the community to renewed attacks.

Still, some residents say military presence alone cannot provide lasting security. As one local worker told CNN, “[With] every explosion, my heart jumps.”

Others worry that a future deal could once again leave border towns exposed to renewed escalation.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Metula remains suspended between war and an uncertain peace, its residents unconvinced that any ceasefire will hold long enough to restore normal life.

By Sabina Mammadli