Leaders of southern Israel: We expected much more

Leaders and residents of southern Israel are not optimistic about the cease-fire and have harsh criticism for Operation Protective Edge, believing that it did not contribute to long-term security in their communities.

"We must not be complacent," said Hof Ashkelon Regional Council Chairman Yair Farjoun, calling on area residents to "continue being alert, at least for the next few days.

"It is up to the government to remain on guard and to stop the terrorist organization from achieving any significant goals, while also thinking about the appropriate action to take to overthrow Hamas should there be a renewal of fire."

Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni took a harder line than his colleague, saying, "Every concession to Hamas is giving in to terrorism.

"The residents of Israel and of the south wanted to see [Hamas] defeated in this campaign, but that apparently will not happen. We wanted to see Hamas on its knees, begging for its life, and what we are actually seeing is Israel running to the negotiating table at every opportunity presented to it.

"We did not lose 64 soldiers and four citizens for an 'accomplishment' like this. We did not sit in bomb shelters for nearly two months for an 'accomplishment' like this. We did not suffer a blow to our economy and watch businesses here shut down for an 'accomplishment' like this. We expected much more."

Frustrated, Shimoni went on to say, "It is only a matter of time before the next conflict. From my point of view, a cease-fire agreement in this reality translates to Ashkelon preparing for the coming round, which will be even worse than anything we have seen until now."

Sdot Negev Regional Council head Tamir Idan was similarly upset. "Silently agreeing to a situation whereby they can shoot as much as they want until a cease-fire is reached is extremely dangerous.

"We demand that the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces honor their commitment and respond to every act of fire with great strength."

Even more pessimistic about the truce was Eshkol Regional Council head Haim Yalin, who said that in his experience, "This cease-fire will simply turn into fire.

"No one will come back here until they know that there is a real cease-fire, and I don't care what the government or Hamas say."

Residents of southern Israel themselves are not much more hopeful than their community leaders. "These cease-fires are like a movie played on repeat gain, and again and again, and it never stops," said Eshkol region resident Yehezkel Alon.

"They are pulling the wool over our eyes and they want us to believe Hamas wants a cease-fire. Hamas does not want a cease-fire, it only wants time to get organized and get more rockets.

"I don't believe anyone anymore. For now, I am not going back home, neither is my family and neither are many other families from the Gaza border area communities."