Why Israelis Aren't Rushing Back Home

In the quiet Israeli border town of Kibbutz Malkiya, Dean Sweetland, a gardener and security volunteer, looks out at the deserted streets. A year after fleeing due to Hezbollah rockets, the town remains empty despite a ceasefire. "The ceasefire is useless, " he says, shaking his head. "How can I ask my friends to come back? " Although Lebanon has seen a rush of civilians returning home, Israelis are wary. They don't trust that Hezbollah won't return, and they question the effectiveness of U. N. peacekeepers. Plus, many have started new lives elsewhere. Sarah Gould, a mother of three, is one of those skeptical residents. "Hezbollah fired at us up until the ceasefire started, " she recalls. "The government can't just tell us it's safe. " Weighing the risks, she says she won't go back until there's a secure "dead zone" across the border.

People like Orna Weinberg, who was born in Manara, another border village, share similar fears. "UNIFIL didn't prevent Hezbollah's build-up before, " she points out. "What's different now? " Farther from the border, a few Israelis have ventured back. But in towns like Kibbutz Manara, where three-quarters of structures were damaged, no one's rushing in. Many fear a fragile peace and the challenge of restarting lives disrupted for over a year. The idea of returning isn't just about security, says Gould. "We've rebuilt our lives. It's not simply about moving back to a house; it's about finding a home again. " Also, residents feel abandoned by the government. Sweetland, who stayed during the war, says volunteers kept the kibbutz going with no external help. "We were on our own, " he remembers. Yet, Weinberg hopes to return soon. But seeing a former neighbor leave in tears, she knows the journey back won't be easy.

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