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Metula () is a town in the Northern District of Israel. It abuts the Israel-Lebanon border, and had a population of in .
The 1920 boundary agreement between Britain and France stated that Metula was to be in Palestine, but it was not until 1924 that the change to British control was complete. During the intervening years, the residents of Metula even took part in elections for the Lebanese parliament.
As they were crossing the narrow bridge over Nahal Ayun at 13:45 a red Chevrolet pickup truck drove towards them. The soldiers of the first jeep noticed that the driver had friendly smile, and he was signaled to pull over to let the convoy pass. The first jeep and the first safari truck did so. At 13:50 the driver of the Chevrolet detonated a tremendous explosion which shattered windows in Metula itself. Twelve soldiers were killed and 14 wounded.
On 30 September, 2024, the IDF launched a ground invasion into Southern Lebanon. On that same day, the IDF declared that Metula became a closed military area. On 23 October, 2024, 4 foreign workers and one Israeli were killed from a direct Hezbollah rocket strike, with several more seriously wounded.
Maps of the Geological Survey of Israel show that the area around Metula is primarily composed of sedimentary rock units from the Jurassic to Eocene periods. It is significantly impacted by faulting, particularly related to the Dead Sea Rift, which creates a complex geological structure.
According to Israel’s Meteorological Service, Metula is characterized by a warm-summer Mediterranean climate: Summers are typically very warm and dry, and winters are cool and wet. Rain periods generally occur from October through May, and the average annual rainfall is 800-900 mm (31-35 inches). Occasionally Metula experiences brief winter snows.
after being blown up, 15 February 1948]] (which blew up the bridge)]]
Nahal Ayun Bridge
The bridge over Nahal Ayun was built by the British in the years 1943–44. On June 17, 1946 (Night of the bridges) all four Palmach battalions (the Haganah elite units) captured and destroyed 11 border bridges. As a consequence, on June 29, 1946 ("Black Sabbath"), the British soldiers imprisoned many Yishuv leaders and Palmach members. The bridge was blown up again by the Palmach during the War of Independence. It was repaired in the 1980s.See municipality plaque at the site
State of Israel
In Israel, Metula is known as a wealthy town popular as a tourist destination, especially for schoolchildren on summer vacation. Calm Returns to Israeli Border Town Two Years After War
1985 attack
The Safari Disaster occurred during the South Lebanon conflict (1985–2000). On the afternoon of Sunday, March 10, 1985, a convoy of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers in "Safari" model trucks were driving from Metula towards the Lebanese town of Marjayoun. Dozens of soldiers, having just attended Shabbat, were on their way back to duty. In accordance with regulations, one armed jeep in the forefront and two in the rear, and helmets and bullet-proof vests were worn.
2006 Lebanon War
During the 2006 Lebanon War, Metula became a temporary ghost town when its populace fled Hezbollah rocket fire. It was hit by 120 rockets during the war.
Israel–Lebanon conflict (2023–present)
In the midst of the Gaza war, Hezbollah attacked northern Israeli border communities with rockets and missiles, prompting the evacuation of several, including Metula. On October 17, 2023, a Hezbollah anti-tank missile struck Metula, resulting in the injury of one civilian and two IDF reservists. On 19 December, Hezbollah fired artillery shells at the town.
Geography
Metula lies in the northernmost point of Israel, next to the Lebanon border and at 520 m above sea level.
Demographics
According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), in September 2003 Metula had a population of 1,400, predominantly . Metula was declared a local council in 1949. Also according to the CBS, the population over the years was:
Notable residents
Notes
Bibliography
External links
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