What it’s about
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed the IDF’s readiness to engage Hezbollah in further conflict. During a visit to IDF drills simulating ground combat in Lebanon, he emphasized the significant damage dealt to the Iranian-backed terrorist group and the readiness for future strikes.
Why it matters
The statement by Gallant highlights Israel’s strong stance against Hezbollah and reaffirms its commitment to regional security. This comes in the wake of extensive and unprecedented IDF air operations aimed at incapacitating Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Defense Minister’s Comments
Gallant, addressing the troops, stated, “Hezbollah today is not what it was a week ago. It has suffered severe blows to its command, personnel, and weaponry. We have more strikes ready. I’m confident that any Hezbollah fighter you encounter, you will know how to eliminate.” He iterated the necessity for total readiness, stating that the IDF’s training has been unmatched historically.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Address
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a briefing at an intelligence base, expressed his approval of the IDF’s operations. Directing his message to Lebanese citizens, he condemned Hezbollah for endangering their lives by placing missiles within civilian homes. “Anyone with a missile in their living room won’t have a home,” he warned, urging the Lebanese to free themselves from Hezbollah’s control.
IDF’s Military Operations in Lebanon
According to the IDF, the recent campaign in Lebanon involved intense air strikes aimed at diminishing Hezbollah’s military potential. Nearly 3,000 flight hours were logged, and over 1,500 Hezbollah targets were destroyed, including around 400 rocket launchers and significant weapons depots, showcasing the coordination and strike capacity of the IDF.
Impact on Ground
Data from the IDF and corroborated by satellite imagery from NASA reveal extensive fires and secondary explosions over a 650 square mile area due to the IDF’s air strikes. This highlights the comprehensive approach taken by the IDF to dismantle Hezbollah’s threatening infrastructure.
Ongoing Vigilance
Despite the extensive strikes, a senior air force official noted that Hezbollah still retains some rocket-launching capabilities, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and readiness.
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This story was first published on ynetnews.com.