IDF patrol along border with Lebanon
IDF patrol along border with LebanonFlash 90

Life continues as usual for Israelis in the northwestern Galilee, Upper Galilee Regional Council head Giora Salz stated in a special Arutz Sheva interview Friday - despite rocket fire earlier this week from Lebanon. 

"We are accustomed to, and know how to, switch quickly from routine to emergencies," Salz said. "After the assassination of [Lebanese terrorist Samir] Kuntar, there are concerns [over security], so we are continuing to follow routine as the IDF instructs us on how to get organized." 

Salz also referred to the IDF's directive to farmers not to stand near the border fence for long periods of time. 

"This is not a comprehensive directive, not to approach the fence every day at all times," he noted. "The guidelines say that the routine needs to continue and farmers will be able to continue working."

Salz added that communities near the fence are well aware of living under the constant threat of terrorism or rocket fire.

"In towns like Manara, Misgav and Margaliot, the community fence is the country's border fence," he said. "Some of the agricultural areas are places which are also under the control of the other side [...] there is no buffer zone." 

Salz remained optimistic, however, that Hezbollah would only go so far. 

"Hezbollah today is part of the government in Lebanon, and understands that it has a big problem [if it wants] to act against us," he said. "Our response could be devastating and it knows it."

Even terror tunnels are not a problem, he opined. 

"The ground here is hard and rocky, and besides there is no need for tunnels; there are communities and outposts right along the fence, there are wadis and shrubs [in which terrorists could] hide, so if someone wants to enter the community or outpost, the simplest way is not through a tunnel; I do not think it is relevant," he reflected. "But certainly there is always the fear of a localized incident and we need to be prepared."