Tel Aviv, April 19, (dpa/GNA) – Residents of the largest Israeli city on the country’s northern border with Lebanon went on strike on Sunday, in protest over the ceasefire in the conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia there, Israeli media reported.
In Kiriat Shmona, the city administration and the education system were closed, the Israeli Kan broadcaster reported. The Israeli work week starts on Sunday.
Protests by representatives of the city are also planned in Jerusalem. Kiriat Shmona has been repeatedly shelled by Hezbollah during the most recent war.
Like other residents of northern Israel, representatives of the city are calling for Hezbollah to be fully disarmed and for better rocket protection in the border town, especially for schools and kindergartens.
Since the start of the Gaza war two and a half years ago, which Hezbollah also took part in, many of the roughly 24,000 residents have left the particularly hard-hit city of Kiriat Shmona.
Accusations against Netanyahu
Critics accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of allowing a ceasefire in Lebanon to be imposed on him by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu had repeatedly promised a decisive victory over Hezbollah.
“This is not a complete victory – it is a turning away from the residents of the north!” a statement from Kiriat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern said.
He spoke of a “dangerous ceasefire” that was sacrificing the security of Israel’s northern residents.
Shortly after the start of the Iran war at the end of February, Hezbollah attacked Israel and the two became embroiled in fighting again.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into force on Friday. The Lebanese government and its army are not themselves a party to the conflict and no agreement was reached with Hezbollah on the ceasefire. The Lebanese government does not control the militant group.
GNA