The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Northerners feel grim amid war but firm on need to defeat Hezbollah
9 snips
Mar 29, 2026 
Sue Surkes, environmental reporter on northern communities and wildlife, and Diana Bletter, health editor covering hospitals and civilian strain, discuss life under constant rocket fire. They describe shelter shortages, efforts to build community resilience in Arab towns, hospitals operating underground and fundraising after budget cuts. They also touch on how road noise is disrupting bird breeding in open spaces.
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Daily Life In Kiryat Shmona Under Fire
- Residents of Kiryat Shmona reported a near-empty town and constant sirens interrupting daily life.
- Diana Bletter described visiting an auto body shop where workers couldn't reach a shelter during three sirens in 15 minutes, conveying a sense of desolation.
Residents Fear Repeated Rounds Of Evacuation
- Many returnees insist they will not evacuate again but fear the IDF won't finish the job, risking repeated wars in months.
- Interviewees told Diana their biggest worry is another round of displacement if Hezbollah isn't decisively defeated.
Volunteer First Responders On The Frontlines
- A local massage therapist volunteers as a first responder and said saving lives keeps her going.
- Diana described her running to a roadside scene where a young woman was killed, highlighting volunteer bravery.