Bennett Says Lebanon Deal Will Be Judged by Rebuilding Border Towns Before Hezbollah Returns

Former prime minister and Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett responded to the agreement with Lebanon by saying the real test will not be grand speeches, but whether Kiryat Shmona is rebuilt before Hezbollah recovers. He said the measure of success is whether the border communities of Metula, Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi can raise their children in safety, without fear of Hezbollah reemerging.

Bennett framed the issue as a competition between Israeli recovery and Hezbollah’s ability to rebuild after the deal. His remarks focused on the northern frontline towns most exposed to the conflict, and on the need for tangible civilian restoration rather than political declarations.