Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to cancel his planned visit to the Lebanese border town of Metula on Sunday after a drone explosion at a military outpost. The Prime Minister's convoy, already on its way, had to change destination at the last minute following this incident which occurred 20 minutes before its scheduled arrival.
The visit was ultimately limited to a meeting with the region's top military brass, including General Uri Gordin, commander of the Northern Front, and Brigadier General Shai Klapper, commander of the 91st division. Netanyahu did not meet with evacuated residents or local residents, continuing the pattern of his previous visits to the region.
During this trip, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his firm position vis-à-vis Hezbollah: “With or without an agreement, the key to returning to security in the north involves distancing Hezbollah beyond Litani, the neutralization of any attempt at rearmament, and a firm response to every action against us.”
Earlier in the day, another drone exploded in Elyakim, near Yokneam, while a third was intercepted off the coast of Caesarea. These incidents triggered multiple alerts in the north of the country for around 40 minutes.
The prime minister's office disputed reports that Netanyahu himself requested the cancellation of his visit, saying instead that “the prime minister regularly seeks to visit the field, but is restricted by security services. ” According to his office, it was security officials who recommended changing the tour itinerary following the incident.
