Metula Chief Slams Government and IDF Over Lack of Retaliation in Beirut's Dahiya

Metula Regional Council head David Azoulay lashed out at the government and the IDF after another night of alerts, sirens, and interceptions in northern Israel. He said the border with Israel was again crossed and accused officials of failing to carry out the promised response in Beirut's Dahiya district.

Addressing the prime minister, defense minister, and IDF spokesperson, Azoulay wrote that “12 interceptions” had occurred and that the authorities were “silent.” He said, “Children again ran frightened in pajamas to protected spaces in our area, while in the Dahiya district life continues as usual.” He added, “In statements you are world champions, in execution? Third division.”

His comments came amid continued fire and aerial infiltrations from Lebanon, alongside a policy statement made in recent months by Israel's political and security leadership that any harm to northern communities would trigger a stronger strike on targets in Lebanon. Azoulay said residents expected that threat to be carried out.

Meanwhile, the IDF said it had attacked a series of Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon over the past day. The army also said it killed militants identified in areas where its forces were operating. Still, despite the attacks on Israel and the repeated alerts in the north, there were no strikes in Beirut or the Dahiya neighborhood, as some local leaders and residents had expected after earlier threats.