Israeli Government Unveils Plan to Help Northern Residents Return Home After War

As tens of thousands of northern Israeli residents prepare to return home on March 1 after over a year of displacement, the government has introduced a structured plan to support their reintegration. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Affairs, provides social workers and therapists with guidelines to help evacuees navigate the psychological challenges of returning to homes they were forced to flee.

“Since the beginning of the war, the Ministry of Social Affairs has worked to create an emotional response tailored to diverse population groups who have experienced various types of trauma,” said Etti Kissos, Deputy Director of Social Services at the Ministry.

The mass evacuation, triggered by Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault, has been one of the largest in Israel’s history. Over 70,000 residents were forced to leave their homes, living in temporary accommodations for more than a year. Many now face uncertainty, unsure if Hezbollah’s threat has truly been eliminated.

The government’s new guidelines emphasize a phased return. Families are encouraged to visit their homes in stages initially, parents return alone to assess the home’s condition and make necessary repairs. Subsequent visits involve shared family activities such as cooking or redecorating, fostering a renewed sense of stability and security.

According to the Israel Trauma Coalition, which has been actively involved in providing psychological support, the extended displacement has left many residents in a prolonged state of survival mode, affecting their ability to make decisions and process emotions.

A recent State Comptroller report estimated that three million Israelis are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety due to the war. The report also criticized systemic failures in providing adequate psychological care to evacuees, survivors, and first responders.

Trauma expert Eiyar Segal stressed the importance of maintaining community ties and structured routines to aid recovery. “People who actively engage with their communities, whether by volunteering, joining support groups, or maintaining close relationships, tend to cope better,” she said.

Meanwhile, Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal continues, though the IDF remains stationed in five key positions due to concerns over Hezbollah’s presence. Lebanese forces have begun deploying in previously evacuated areas, but skepticism remains over their ability to enforce Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River.

For northern Israelis, the return home represents more than just a physical relocation it is a step toward reclaiming normalcy in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

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