Residents of Kiryat Shmona, the largest Israeli city on the country’s northern border with Lebanon, went on strike on Sunday to protest a ceasefire in clashes with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, Israeli media reported.
The protest affected the first working day, as the Israeli work week begins on Sunday.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that city administration and schools were closed.
Kiryat Shmona has been repeatedly shelled by Hezbollah during the recent war. Residents of the city are demanding the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and better rocket protection in the border city, especially for schools and daycare centers.
Many of Kiryat Shmona’s 24,000 residents have fled since the Gaza war began two and a half years ago.
Many remaining residents are angry at the Israeli government, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of allowing US President Donald Trump to impose a ceasefire in Lebanon.
“This is not a complete victory – this is the alienation of the inhabitants of the North!” A statement from the city’s mayor, Avichai Stern, was read.
Stern spoke of a “dangerous ceasefire” that was sacrificing the safety of Israel’s northern residents.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu had repeatedly promised the Israelis a decisive victory over Hezbollah.
A protest by representatives of Kiryat Shmona in Jerusalem is also planned.