The Fate of Metula: A Once-Picturesque Israeli Town
Once celebrated for its breathtaking views of the Lebanese landscape, Metula has transformed into a ghost town, now off-limits to civilians. For months, this charming mountain resort has been under relentless attack from Hezbollah’s rockets and missiles, leaving every other residence damaged or in ruins. Over the past year of ongoing conflict, Metula has emerged as one of the most severely impacted locales in Israel.
With a rich history spanning over a century, Metula stands as a poignant emblem of early Zionist pioneering efforts. Nestled in the northernmost corner of Israel, the town juts out like a finger into Lebanese territory, surrounded on three sides by its neighbor. The town, once home to approximately 2,500 residents, faced an unprecedented evacuation a year ago—the first of its kind since the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948. As Israeli ground forces engage in military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the future of Metula hangs in the balance.
According to the town’s mayor, David Azulai, about thirty percent of those who evacuated have no plans to return, regardless of the war’s outcome. Many of those who have chosen to leave for good include families with young children, seeking safety away from the danger that has engulfed their home.
“We refer to it as an enclave—completely encircled to the north, east, and west by Lebanon,” Azulai explained. He also noted that nearly ninety percent of the homes in Metula are exposed and fall within the direct line of sight of the Lebanese villages across the border. One such village, Kafr Kila, is located less than a half-mile away as the crow flies.
“There are neighborhoods that even we don’t venture into,” he continued, alluding to the courageous members of Metula’s armed civil response team who have remained behind to protect the town. This group, consisting of around two dozen individuals, is joined by a few essential council workers and an increasing number of soldiers, all committed to safeguarding what remains of this once-vibrant community.
