After Hezbollah's Commitment to the Ceasefire... Tourism Returns to Northern Israel

The Jerusalem Post published an article titled: "Northern Israel Gradually Revives Under Ceasefire with Hezbollah," and the article stated: "The areas of northern Israel near the Lebanese border are regaining part of their tourist activity, with the return of visitors to a number of natural sites under the ceasefire in Lebanon, including the Rainbow Cave (Keshet) in the Western Galilee.

The cave, located near the Lebanese border overlooking Betzet Stream (Nahal Betzet), is one of the most prominent natural landmarks in the region, offering a wide view of northern Israel and the Mediterranean Sea coast.

The cave consists of a huge rock arch, allowing those standing on top a view extending hundreds of meters toward the green vegetation below, in a scene described as unique in the region.

The path leading to the cave witnessed noticeable visitor traffic on Saturday, as several tourist groups arrived at the site, including at least two groups speaking Russian, in addition to a large club of Harley Davidson riders, and a group of Arab women came for lunch.

Visitors speaking multiple languages, including Hebrew, were also present at the site.

This activity, according to the report, comes at a time when the border region is witnessing a gradual return of movement after a period of calm associated with the ceasefire in Lebanon, despite reports of airstrikes near the Lebanese coast a few miles north of Keshet Cave.

During nearly a thousand days of war with Hezbollah, this area was partially closed to traffic, especially after the party's attack on October 8, 2023, when roads were closed and residents of towns such as Adamit, Zarit, and Shtula were evacuated.

The report indicated that the Bedouin town of Arab al-Aramsha remained the only town whose residents continued to reside there, while Route 8993 connects these communities. During the war, Israeli forces, tanks, and artillery were deployed near the border, but the scene has now changed.

From the border area, the concrete separation wall between Israel and Lebanon can be seen, remaining a witness to security threats, while the surrounding nature appears green and nearly devoid of traces of human activity.

At Keshet Cave, a visitor operated a drone, in a scene reflecting the decline in fears of drone threats, although Hezbollah's FPV drones were until recently threatening Israeli soldiers in nearby areas such as Ras al-Naqoura.

During his tour, the report's author moved along the border passing through Shomera and the ancient Ikrit Church, then returned to Shlomi and Ras al-Naqoura, noting that the site there remains closed, but the views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Zebulon Valley, reaching Acre, Nahariya, and Haifa are still available to visitors.

The report pointed out that the region includes a number of tourist destinations, including the Old City of Acre, the Achziv coast, the Montfort Crusader Castle, in addition to restaurants in the Druze town of Hurfeish, Yehiam Fortress, an abandoned ancient house near Gaaton, as well as the town of Yarka which offers extensive shopping options, including the largest children's store in Israel.

In Ras al-Naqoura, the report covered the experience of the food truck "Harifit," run by Yoni and his team, offering a range of smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, and chicken, with side dishes, considering it a model for new food projects in the region.

The report concluded by noting the return of the public to these areas, where some engage in fishing on the coast, while others swim in sites bearing "No Swimming" signs, considering that the failure of some sites to return to full operation created a state of vacuum and uncertainty that attracted visitors seeking adventure.