As the people of Lebanon return safely and joyously to their homes after months of displacement, Hezbollah’s decisive victory is clear.

As promised by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in his final speech, 200,000 settlers have not and will not return to the northern settlements—unlike the steadfast Lebanese landowners.

Hezbollah, despite great sacrifices, retains full command and control, as evidenced by its ability to strike “Tel Aviv” and Haifa two days ago. Meanwhile, the zionist Defense Minister moments ago rejected recommendations to return to schooling in the Golan Heights and border settlements, despite the ceasefire, underscoring ongoing insecurity.

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In a dramatic display of force in the last hours before the ceasefire, “Israel” launched a series of airstrikes across Beirut, its southern suburbs, Tyre, Saida, and the Bekaa. Israeli military radio touted the strikes as a “final comprehensive aerial assault” on Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The Israeli strikes targeted civilian areas and infrastructure not previously marked, creating plumes of smoke and rubble to give the illusion of triumph. This theatrical attack, designed to project power, was part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to sell the agreement to far-right constituents and disgruntled settlers in northern “Israel”, many of whom view the ceasefire as a surrender to Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah responded with precision strikes, launching waves of rockets into occupied territories, from Haifa to Kiryat Shmona, targeting military sites and troop concentrations. Sirens went off in 115 northern Israeli towns, exposing the hollowness of “Israel’s” claims of dominance. Despite Israeli boasts of having reached the Litani River, its troops were confirmed to have advanced only three kilometers beyond the border, near Deir Mimas.

Netanyahu’s political and media circles framed the agreement as a victory for “Israel”, but failed to convince officials from northern settlements. David Azulai, head of the Metula Regional Council, declared, “I will not allow residents to return to the border settlement. I urge them not to come back or live in the north. Let them move and spread out in Tel Aviv. Farewell to “Israel”, and let’s abandon the north.” Eitan Davidi, head of the Margaliot Council, echoed similar positions, calling the agreement with Lebanon a “betrayal of northern residents.” Doron Shinbar, spokesperson for the Kiryat Shmona Municipality, criticized the “false promises of the Israeli government,” demanding “what the government and its leader had promised—absolute victory, not a submissive deal.” Meanwhile, the head of the Metta Asher Regional Council, representing several settlements in the Western Galilee, warned, “In the coming years, “Israel” will find itself facing a stronger, more resilient Hezbollah if this agreement is signed. We will pay for this with blood.”

Al-Akhbar report