President Isaac Herzog visited the local council of Metula on Tuesday, where he met council head David Azoulay and council members and received an update on reconstruction efforts and plans to bring residents back to normal life. He also attended the reopening ceremony of the senior center “Mofet,” the “Havruta” club, which reopened after extensive repairs following war damage.
During the visit, Herzog said the communities along the border are what protect Israel. “The settlements along the border are what defend the State of Israel, they are the front line,” he said, adding that the state must protect its civilians “even when diplomacy enters the picture.”
Herzog urged Israelis to come north, from Rosh Hanikra to Metula, to support tourism and local businesses and show solidarity. “With Michal, I come here very often, we have plowed this border a lot,” he said. “These places are not the periphery, they are the heart of the country. This is our home, and that is how it must be treated.” He called for major investment in development, education, welfare, business, employment, the economy and tourism.
The president said the situation is still unclear because Israel is in a ceasefire and Lebanon remains part of “the biggest leagues of world diplomacy,” but insisted the outcome must ensure the security of Israeli citizens, border communities and residents. He said the goal is to see more children and families returning and thanked local authority heads for standing up to prolonged challenges.
