In brief
A sudden ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has surprised many Israelis, especially given recent military escalations. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu made the announcement with little notice, raising concerns and skepticism among citizens about the government's transparency and the effectiveness of the ceasefire. Amidst ongoing hostilities, some view the move as a capitulation to U.S. pressure.
As news of the ceasefire spread through Israel's northern communities, sirens blared three times this evening warning of incoming rockets from Lebanon.
In the sky above the northern city of Nahariya, Israel's air defence interceptors shot up to block them, triggering loud explosions. Ambulance crews said at least three people were wounded by shrapnel in the hours before the ceasefire took effect, including two seriously.
On the ground here – and across the country – there's scepticism about why Israel's leader has signed up to the truce.
I feel like the government lied to us, said Gal, a student in Nahariya. They promised that this time it would end differently, but it seems like we're once again heading toward a ceasefire agreement that solves nothing.
We gave the Lebanese government a chance and they failed to uphold the agreement; they didn't disarm Hezbollah, said Maor, a 32-year-old truck driver whose house was hit by a rocket last year.
Israel has five army divisions in southern Lebanon, and only yesterday its chief army spokesman said they would continue advancing.
This ceasefire announcement has taken Israel by surprise – reportedly even within the government's own security cabinet.
A poll by Israel's Channel 12 news network last week found that almost 80% of respondents supported continued strikes on Hezbollah.
Despite Netanyahu framing the ceasefire as an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement with Lebanon, many believe it reflects U.S. President Trump's influence rather than Israel's interests, leading to questions about the government's motivations and the future of Israeli-Lebanese relations.
