Perched on the slopes of Mount Carmel Haifa offers breathtaking views of the Israeli coast, stretching from the city’s vibrant streets down to the sprawling industrial port. But as tensions mount with Hezbollah those picturesque vistas now hold a darker significance for Haifa’s residents, who live in the shadow of a potential catastrophe.
The port, a critical hub containing Israel’s largest oil refinery, massive fuel tanks, and other highly flammable targets, is a source of anxiety for many in the city. Haifa’s history with conflict is all too real; during the 2006 war with Hezbollah, rockets rained down, killing over a dozen people and reducing homes to rubble. The memory of the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, which killed over 220 people and obliterated large parts of the Lebanese capital, looms large over Haifa.
Now, with fears of an Iranian-backed retaliation for recent killings of high-ranking Hezbollah and Hamas officials, Haifa’s 280,000 residents find themselves once again in the crosshairs.
“Of course, it’s a main concern, especially after what we’ve seen happening four years ago in the harbor of Beirut,” says Patrice Wolff, a long-time Haifa resident. “We know how damaging it can be, a blast from this area, so we are very conscious of it. And we certainly hope it will not come to be that bad.”
Haifa’s strategic location, just 30 kilometers from the Lebanese border, makes it a prime target. In recent days, the city has endured repeated drone attacks, intensifying the sense of unease. Residents know the drill: when the air raid siren sounds or a smartphone alert pings, they have just one minute to seek shelter.
Wolff, who works for a medical supplies company, sleeps with his phone by his side, ready to spring into action if an alert comes. “We’re all very conscious of the risk and we know what to do if things go astray,” he says. “We certainly hope that it will not come to this extent, but we are very exposed because we’re in a straight line from Lebanon.”
Tourism, once a thriving part of Haifa’s economy, has taken a significant hit. Nadia Abu-Shaker, who runs the popular Humus Abu Shaker restaurant near the port, notices the drop in visitors. “There are fewer tourists now; there used to be a lot, but now there are fewer. Business is slow,” she says. Despite the tension, Abu-Shaker remains unfazed, having lived through the 2006 Hezbollah strikes and the Gulf War in 1991. “I’m not afraid. I live near the port… If there is a war, I’m not afraid because I know that God protects us,” she says.
Evacuation and Emergency Measures
Haifa’s municipality has taken proactive steps to prepare for a potential attack. Bomb shelters, many of which are converted underground car parks, are ready to accommodate tens of thousands of people. These shelters are equipped with generators, Wi-Fi, water, and first aid supplies, ensuring they can support residents for days if necessary.
Haifa’s main hospital, which played a critical role during the 2006 conflict, has a large underground facility already in use. “Because we’re waiting for the response from the Iranians or Hezbollah, we understand that something will happen,” says Leonid Reznik, head of emergency preparedness at the Haifa municipality. “We hope it will not be shooting into the city, but we understand something will happen.”
However, assurances from authorities that the most explosive chemicals have been removed from the port do little to ease the fears of residents like Andre Suidan, who runs a wine shop overlooking the complex. “We don’t trust them. We don’t trust that they did (move the chemicals),” says Suidan, describing the refinery’s presence as “horrific.”
“People are completely impatient and they’re completely stressed out,” he adds. “These are not normal times.”
As Haifa braces for what could be a devastating blow, its residents remain vigilant, hoping for peace but preparing for the worst. The city stands as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers in a region where history and conflict are deeply intertwined.
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