Ceasefire Brings Cautious Return to Kibbutz Menara in Northern Israel
The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has allowed residents of Kibbutz Menara to return home for the first time in over a year, revealing the extensive damage caused by months of conflict. The kibbutz, located directly opposite the Lebanese village of Meiss el-Jabal, bears witness to the intense fighting that has transformed the border region.
Meitel and her 13-year-old daughter Gefen made their first visit home since evacuating on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel. The scene they encountered was devastating: approximately three-quarters of the buildings in Menara have been destroyed, along with critical infrastructure like electricity, sewage, and gas supplies.
The Israeli military reported minimal activity during the first day of the ceasefire, firing warning shots at suspected individuals and arresting four suspects. However, the handover of border control from Israeli troops to the Lebanese army has not yet begun, and Lebanese residents have been advised against returning to the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the military operation had set Hezbollah back “tens of years,” destroying most of its rockets and border infrastructure. Despite this optimistic assessment, residents like Meitel remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s longevity, noting ongoing gunfire and potential threats.
Orna, a long-time resident who has experienced two previous wars, expressed a resolute stance. She believes Israeli forces will prevent terrorists from returning and remains committed to staying, despite the challenges. However, she acknowledges that most families will find it difficult to return given the extensive destruction.
The damage tells a story of intense conflict, with buildings riddled with shrapnel marks and anti-tank missile holes. The communal kitchen’s roof has collapsed, and burned-out homes line the streets. Across the border, the Lebanese village of Meiss el-Jabal shows similar levels of destruction.
The ceasefire has initiated preliminary discussions about potential resettlement. While physical repairs might take months, rebuilding a sense of security could take significantly longer. The widespread damage serves as a stark reminder of the destructive capabilities of Hezbollah’s weapons.
As residents like Meitel and Orna contemplate their future, the kibbutz stands as a testament to the ongoing tensions and challenges of the Israel-Lebanon border region. The ceasefire offers a fragile moment of respite, but the deep scars of conflict remain visible in every damaged building and shattered infrastructure.
The return to Menara represents more than just a physical homecoming; it’s a complex emotional journey of resilience, uncertainty, and hope in a region long characterized by conflict.
