The newly declared Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire has sparked widespread criticism in Israel, with critics labelling the move as “reckless and rushed.” The international-mediated truce is said to be aimed at bringing a halt to the ever-increasing violence along the Israel-Lebanon border. Many Israelis, including political figures and citizens, fear the agreement compromises national security.

Domestic Criticism

Opposition leaders have sharply criticized the ceasefire, saying it was hastily arranged without adequate safeguards against future Hezbollah aggression. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid described the move as “a dangerous gamble,” saying the government was bowing to international pressure.’

Residents in border towns, who have borne the brunt of Hezbollah rocket fire, have expressed frustration and scepticism about the truce’s longevity. “We live in constant fear, and this ceasefire offers no guarantees,” said a resident of Kiryat Shmona, a town frequently targeted in recent clashes.’

Government’s Defense

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to its defence, saying that the accord was a necessity to avert more casualties and the region from instability. “This agreement was not entered into lightly. It stipulates guarantees for Israel’s security and the safety of its citizens,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.

Critics say that the accord is opaque and does not say anything about Hezbollah’s accumulation of weaponry and influence south of Lebanon.

International Pressure

Weeks of mounting bloodshed had come to a close with a ceasefire that President Joe Biden described as moving toward peace. To his critics, the deal embodied the worst aspects of outside powers telling Israel how it should secure itself.(More)

Israeli hardliners like former prime minister Naftali Bennett believe that Israel should “never compromise its sovereignty” to appease international mediators.

Fragile Peace

Throughout history, these ceasefires between Israel and Hezbollah have been fragile at best, breaking down almost whenever provocations renewed them. Many Israelis believe this agreement is no different from past ones, leaving it wide open to future attacks.

As tensions simmer and heat up, the reality is that the ceasefire really shines the light on the often-bumpy road between desiring peace and national security.’ For many in Israel, the deal represents uneasy calm in an ongoing conflict, unresolved.