Northern Israel Residents Stay Amid Crisis, Urge State Support for Renewal
During a historic period of evacuations and closures in northern Israel, some residents chose to remain despite ongoing threats from cross-border attacks. Ahead of the Galilee Conference 2026, titled "Restoring Security to the North," three individuals shared their experiences of maintaining community life amid rocket fire and emergency conditions.
Lior Baz, a fourth-generation resident of Metula, stayed behind after evacuating his family following the October 7 attacks. With a background in security and service in the Shin Bet, Baz helped equip local defense teams and maintained readiness in his exposed border home. He described living in near-combat conditions for over a year, preparing defensive positions and minimizing signs of life to avoid detection.
Rikhad Hiradin, a retired lieutenant colonel and former head of the Druze village Hurfeish near the Lebanon border, recounted how the community refused evacuation orders despite heavy rocket fire in previous conflicts and during the recent escalation. He emphasized the deep commitment of residents to defend their homes and support incoming soldiers, with local defense squads quickly expanding to 150 fighters.
Shai Moti, sanitation department head in the Upper Galilee Regional Council and resident of Kibbutz Manara, continued essential municipal services despite staff shortages and contractor hesitancy due to security concerns. He highlighted the challenges of operating in a militarized environment and the need to treat villages as civilian homes rather than military bases.
All three stressed that living in the north is more than an address; it is a profound commitment. They called for the Israeli government to invest in economic development, infrastructure, and social services to ensure the region's resilience and growth. Hiradin specifically urged targeted support for Druze communities to build employment zones and retain younger generations.
The Galilee Conference on August 11, 2026, in Safed will focus on strategies to transform the emergency response into a foundation for northern Israel's renewal and prosperity.
