Officials and residents in northern Israel have sharply criticized the recent United States brokered ceasefire with Lebanon, arguing it has failed to stop ongoing attacks by Hezbollah. Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern accused the government of compromising the region's security, saying decisions about their safety were being shaped by external agreements rather than the needs of local communities. He said residents who had returned home after earlier assurances now feel abandoned.

Municipal leaders announced they would impose their own security measures, including suspending school activities, despite the Home Front Command declaring the area safe. Regional council head Beni Ben-Muvhar said authorities could not risk sending children on buses that could be targeted, while resident Danielle Eliyahu insisted that 'there isn't really a ceasefire' and urged leaders to stop 'using our kids as sitting ducks.'

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will continue to strike Hezbollah in self defense and described the group as weakening, critics argue the truce has not delivered real security. The renewed violence follows months of cross border fighting that included thousands of rockets and drones fired at Israel and extensive Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in casualties and widespread displacement on both sides.