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Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Hezbollah missile struck the city center of Kiryat Shmona overnight, causing significant damage to businesses.
- While the Iron Dome intercepted other projectiles, local leaders expressed strong criticism of the government's handling of security in the north.
- Officials threatened to leave their political party if the government does not address the ongoing security situation in border communities within a month.
The city center of Kiryat Shmona sustained heavy damage from a Hezbollah missile overnight, following a barrage of projectiles launched from Lebanon targeting northern Israeli communities. While the Iron Dome defense system successfully intercepted most of the incoming threats, the direct hit on businesses has intensified local frustration.
I'm giving the ministers and the Israeli government a month to reach Kiryat Shmona. If there's no good news, I will publicly revoke my membership in Likud, and with me, dozens more.
Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern confirmed that all other missiles were intercepted. However, Deputy Mayor Ze'evik Zweigi sharply criticized the state's response, threatening to leave the Likud party if the government fails to provide tangible improvements to the security situation within a month. "I'm giving the ministers and the Israeli government a month to reach Kiryat Shmona. If there's no good news, I will publicly revoke my membership in Likud, and with me, dozens more," he stated.
They may have announced a ceasefire, but in Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding area, there hasnโt been a moment of ceasefire. Something happens here every day.
Zweigi highlighted the persistent nature of the attacks, noting that despite announcements of ceasefires, the northern communities experience daily security incidents. "Last night, there were several sirens starting from 1:30 am, interceptions, and rocket barrages. In the last barrage, at around 3:30 am, a direct hit struck a shopping center, causing significant property damage. A major disaster was avoided last night," he said, emphasizing the potential for greater tragedy on a normal day.
Last night, there were several sirens starting from 1:30 am, interceptions, and rocket barrages. In the last barrage, at around 3:30 am, a direct hit struck a shopping center, causing significant property damage. A major disaster was avoided last night.
Metula Council head David Azoulay echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as "another night of neglect." He criticized the government and the Home Front Command for not taking responsibility and treating residents as if they were in a ceasefire zone. Azoulay urged northern municipal leaders to intensify their efforts to pressure the government, demanding that northern security be prioritized.
Neither the government nor the Home Front Command takes responsibility for the situation and treats us as if we are in a ceasefire zone. I say this as a right-winger and a Likud Center member: Kiryat Shmona has no government.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.