The "Double Crisis of Trust" of Northern Residents in the Government and the IDF: Paths to Restoration

Against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts to promote a political settlement between Israel and Lebanon, and as the IDF initiates a pilot program transferring security responsibility in several southern Lebanese villages to the Lebanese army, the issue of trust among Northern residents has returned to the forefront. This topic was discussed by a panel moderated by journalist Sharon Kidon at the National Security Conference, organized by ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth" in collaboration with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).

Despite the relative calm on the northern border, Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council and chairman of the Confrontation Line Forum, made it clear that the residents' sense of security is far from restored. "We are not optimists and we are not pessimists – we are realists," he stated. According to Davidovich, even with IDF operations inside Lebanon, the primary fear remains the threat of infiltration. "Just a month ago, we saw terrorists wandering in the Metula area," he recalled, adding that the trauma of October 7 continues to haunt residents. While the IDF's presence across the border improves the sense of security, it does not provide certainty. "They promised a terror-free zone, but no one can guarantee there will be no threats in the future," he said.

Dr. Shafran Gittelman of the INSS explained that the crisis of trust consists of two layers: the initial shock of October 7 and the subsequent gap between government promises and reality. "Many residents thought the threat was removed and that they could return home safely, only to discover that reality is more complex," she said. She argued that restoring trust requires honest dialogue: "Do not make promises that cannot be kept. You must convey to residents what is possible and what is not." She emphasized that while there is emotional trust in the IDF as the "people's army," this does not mean residents automatically accept every security assessment provided to them.

Liat Cohen, Deputy Director General for Planning and Strategy at the Tnufa for the North Administration, addressed the civil aspect, noting that the state's goal is not merely to repair war damage. "We are not talking about returning to October 6. The war exposed problems that existed for decades, and this is an opportunity to fix them," she said. She noted that billions of shekels are being invested in infrastructure, hospitals, education, and the regional economy, though it is a long-term process. "Real development takes years, and in the meantime, it is important that residents see that promises are starting to be fulfilled."

Davidovich criticized the government's conduct, distinguishing between the professional staff of the Tnufa Administration and the political echelon. "The gap is huge. We have to fight for everything – from tax benefits to compensation. Instead of rolling out a red carpet for border residents, we have to beg," he said. The participants concluded that the restoration of the North will be measured not only by infrastructure but by the state's ability to restore damaged trust through transparency and long-term commitment to the region's quality of life.