Last week, we reported the remarks of the outgoing Northern Project Coordinator, Eliezer “Cheiny” Marom, at the Northern Authorities Conference, where he estimated that the appropriate time to begin the return would be at the start of March. Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the safe return of evacuees to their homes, the IDF is in the midst of an extensive operation to clear and clean northern communities. The forces participating in the operation, including engineering teams, are deployed in more than 40 communities in northern Israel and in civilian areas that served as assembly zones. They are working to clear the communities of military equipment, clean waste, and remove unexploded ordnance left in the areas, according to a report published today (Sunday) on the IDF website.
The IDF states that for over a year, the Home Front Command and the logistics division of the Northern Command have been working in close cooperation with their civilian counterparts and local authorities “to create the conditions for the safe return of residents to their homes, with an emphasis on managing daily life in a secure environment.”
“The Second Phase Will Begin During Passover”
As mentioned, outgoing Northern Project Coordinator Eliezer “Cheiny” Marom estimated last week that “given the security and social conditions, I believe the appropriate time to begin the return will be at the start of March.”
Documentation from the Cleaning and Clearing of Northern Communities | IDF
Marom outlined the expected timeline for the return process: “The first wave is already happening, and I estimate that about 20% of evacuees will return during this phase. The second phase will begin during Passover, following the determination of how the return and resettlement grants will be distributed. I assume that during this phase, between 50% and 65% of evacuees will return. The rest will return after the end of the school year.”
