Sara and Zion Arbib, long-time residents of Moshav Zalit, near Israel’s northern border, said on Tuesday that a dangerous tunnel built by Hezbollah, located near Israel’s northern border, cut right through their community. After discovering he had been there, “everyone said it was our imagination,” he said. “We have stopped being human shields for this country,” they added.
Gabi Naaman, speaker of the Shlomi local council, is now calling for a full investigation into what she describes as serious security failures, asking: “Who is to blame for this negligence?” There is.
Possibility of armed terrorists entering Israel from the northThe tunnel, dug by the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, was a potential way for militants to cross into Israel. In recent years, Hezbollah has built numerous tunnels and amassed weapons near the Lebanese border as part of its strategy to launch attacks on Israeli communities. The IDF discovered the tunnel and neutralized it before using it, but the discovery left the population extremely worried.
“This is not surprising to us,” Sara and Zion Arbib told Walla News. “We have been warning the authorities for years. No one can claim that we were not trying to raise awareness. We have approached local authorities and even the government.”
The Arbib couple, who have four children and four grandchildren, spoke of their frustration at living under constant threat. “We were always told that we didn’t understand or that we were imagining things.” Intercepting a rocket fired from Lebanon near Israel’s border with Lebanon, in northern Israel, September 4, 2024 Israeli anti-missile system. (Credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
For Zaalit residents, the discovery of the tunnels highlighted the dangers they face every day. “Anyone who thought we could return home without the IDF providing an impenetrable barrier needs to think again,” the Arbibs added. “We will no longer serve as the nation’s human shield.”
The couple also expressed relief that the tunnel was discovered before Hezbollah carried out its attack, especially in light of the coordinated attack from Gaza by Hamas on October 7. “It’s a miracle they didn’t invade from the north on the same day.” Had they done so, the outcome could have been disastrous. ”
Shimon Guetta, chairman of the Maare Yosef Regional Council, which oversees Zarit, echoed similar sentiments. “We have warned of suspicious noises and potential danger in the past, but the border has remained exposed. The discovery of the tunnel saved lives, but reflects long-standing failures to keep the area safe. It’s not going to disappear.”
The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas has left residents in northern Israel fearful of a similar attack by Hezbollah. The Iranian-backed group has a long history of threatening Israel’s northern borders, and communities like Zarit live in constant fear of future incursions.
Why is Israel fighting Hezbollah?
Hezbollah, listed as a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States, is a Shiite militant group based in southern Lebanon and backed by Iran.
We bring you the latest news!
Subscribe to Jerusalem Post Newsletter
The group’s tunnel construction along Israel’s northern border is part of a strategy to carry out cross-border raids, similar to Hamas’ tactics in Gaza. These tunnels pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians living near the border.
