Nissim Hakmon and his neighbors say they hear banging and clattering at night.
They are convinced it can only mean one thing: Hamas is tunneling under their homes from Gaza and will one day emerge, guns blazing, to attack or kidnap them.
The Israeli government says its investigations have not come up with any evidence the night-time noises reported by villagers living near Gaza emanate from tunnels, but assertions by Hamas of extensive cross-border digging has only fueled concern.
"The fear among everyone here is constant," Hakmon told Reuters in his village of Pri Gan, near the Gaza Strip.
"I've heard the sound of a hammer and chisel and my neighbor says she can hear them digging under the cement.
We're stressed out."