The city center of Kiryat Shmona took a direct hit from a Hezbollah missile overnight, following a series of missile launches from Lebanon targeting Israel’s northern communities, the IDF announced early Saturday morning.
The impact reportedly caused significant damage to businesses and shops; however, there were no reported deaths or injuries.
According to Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern, all other missiles were successfully intercepted by Iron Dome during the barrage.
Deputy Mayor of Kiryat Shmona, Ze’evik Zweigi, sharply criticized the state’s handling of the situation and even threatened to leave Likud.
“I’m giving the ministers and the Israeli government a month to reach Kiryat Shmona. If there’s no good news, I will publicly revoke my membership in Likud, and with me, dozens more,” he said.
‘Kiryat Shmona has no government’
“They may have announced a ceasefire, but in Kiryat Shmona and the surrounding area, there hasn’t been a moment of ceasefire. Something happens here every day,” Zweigi said.
“Last night, there were several sirens starting from 1:30 am, interceptions, and rocket barrages. In the last barrage, at around 3:30 am, a direct hit struck a shopping center, causing significant property damage. A major disaster was avoided last night. Normally, this is a crowded place, and I don’t want to think what would have happened on a regular day,” he added.
“Neither the government nor the Home Front Command takes responsibility for the situation and treats us as if we are in a ceasefire zone. I say this as a right-winger and a Likud Center member: Kiryat Shmona has no government,” he said.
Metula Council head David Azoulay also criticized the government following last night’s events.
“This was yet another night of neglect, sirens, running to shelters, and an impossible reality for all residents along the confrontation line, and the Israeli government simply doesn’t care,” he said.
Azoulay also called on northern municipal leaders to intensify their fight with the government. “
I call on my fellow municipal leaders – it’s time to rise and act so that the Israeli government understands once and for all that northern security comes first. The prime minister and defense minister should spend a night in a border community and then tell us if it’s reasonable to live like this. My message to the Israeli government is clear: enough statements and slogans for the media. We demand action, now,” he said.
