Northern Israel Panics Over US-Iran Deal, Local Leader Says It Feels Worse Than October 7

Sami Zanti, chairman of Moshav Shomera in the Western Galilee, told Radio 103fm on Monday morning that residents near the Lebanon border are deeply anxious after reports of a deal between the United States and Iran. Speaking on the program "Seven to Nine" with Gideon Okko and Amichai Athal, he said the agreement has raised fears about Israel’s freedom of action and deterrence against Hezbollah and Iran.

Zanti sharply criticized what he sees as pressure that could limit Israeli decision-making. "Did we lose our independence?" he asked, describing the mood in the border communities as one of fear and uncertainty. "It is not easy to wake up to a morning like this with an agreement that raises many questions," he said, adding, "Did we lose our independence?"

He said the lack of clarity over whether Israel can decide independently under American pressure is damaging trust in the government. "The feeling here is worse than October 7," Zanti said, explaining, "because we are not sure the state is capable of making decisions independently."

His remarks reflect growing unease in northern Israel about being constrained in the security arena just as the IDF is expected to respond forcefully to ceasefire violations in Lebanon and as the threat of direct retaliation from Tehran looms.