Herzog and Metula officials urge Israelis to return north as tourism revival begins

President Isaac Herzog visited Metula on Tuesday and used the trip to call on Israelis to come back to the north, support border communities, and restart local life and tourism despite continuing security uncertainty. His wife, Michal Herzog, joined the appeal, saying, "The air here is wonderful, not to mention the wonderful people," and urging the public to return to "the beautiful north that we all love." Herzog said that in a tense ceasefire period, civilian presence matters and the border settlements are a national statement, not just a tourist destination.

Herzog stressed that the communities along the border are not "periphery" but "the heart of the country," saying they protect Israel and deserve major investment in development, education, welfare, business, employment, the economy and tourism. He said the goal is to see "more and more children and more and more civilians" returning, building and joining the towns. At the same time, he warned that "nothing is finished until it is truly finished" and said one concern is the possibility that Iran could gain a de facto veto in Lebanon and block leaders there who want peace with Israel.

Metula council head David Azoulay told Walla Tourism that the town is trying to resume normal life even while the security situation remains fragile. "You cannot get stuck in war," he said, adding that the community has been at war for almost three years and can no longer live that way. He said the council is investing in gardens, tourism, culture, youth programming and a new seniors club at a cost of nearly 2 million shekels, and is promoting festivals and a new business complex.

Tourism is beginning to recover slowly. Azoulay said there are still no hotel guests, but guided visits for Israelis will begin on Friday, with seven of 26 registered visitors staying overnight. Metula has about 250 guest rooms, and he expects full occupancy by the Tishrei holidays if calm holds. He also said the historic hotel formerly known as Alaska Inn, now renamed Shavit, was hit seven times in the war, is being renovated by new owner Yossi Swissa of Prima Hotels, and is expected to reopen in September.