With the war against Hezbollah in northern Israel intensifying, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant toured the northern border and noted that Israel was going to "use all its capabilities" in its war against the terrorist organization, just hours after the Wall Street Journal said Israel was already conducting pinpointed ground incursions in southern Lebanon. The discussions centered on the importance of facilitating the safe return of northern residents to their homes, while also acknowledging the progress made in the ongoing conflict. Following this, Gallant met with soldiers from the 188th and Golani Brigades, alluding to a potential ground invasion.
Addressing the local leaders at the meeting's outset, Gallant stated, "A month ago, we gathered here, and I want to provide an update. Two weeks ago, we initiated a series of strikes against Hezbollah, which successfully disrupted their command structure and foiled numerous planned operations. We're now in a different position – the IDF has only showcased a fraction of its capabilities against Hezbollah. We've managed to wear down their fighters and create a situation where they're unable to make coherent decisions. Their territory is under threat and has sustained damage. We've significantly disrupted their chain of command. It will take them years to recover, and while we're aware they'll attempt to rebuild, we're committed to thwarting those efforts as well."
Following the meeting, Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council and chairman of the Northern Confrontation Line Forum, remarked, "I extend my gratitude to the defense minister for visiting Mateh Asher today to meet with the Northern Confrontation Line Forum leaders. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel also joined us, offering support and commending the defense minister for his performance and resolute stance, as well as praising the IDF and security forces."
Davidovich elaborated on the meeting's agenda, saying: "The Minister provided a comprehensive briefing on the IDF's recent operations in Lebanon, the dismantling of Hezbollah, and various ongoing actions. I emphasized to the Minister the critical importance of continuing operations along the border fence to neutralize the threat, as this is essential for our residents to safely return home. I brought up the Northern Shield plan announced in 2018 and urged for its implementation. Our residents require a sense of security upon their return, and this war has unequivocally demonstrated that without this plan, there's no hope for the north's future. These are core issues that must be addressed even amidst the ongoing war, as they are key to fortifying the confrontation line!"
Subsequently, Gallant visited the northern border, where he met with troops from the 188th and Golani Brigades. He received a detailed briefing from Brigadier General Kobi Heller, commander of the Ground Forces Training Center, and Colonel Or Volozhinski, commander of the 188th Brigade, regarding the forces' preparedness for a potential escalation in the border region.
Addressing the soldiers, Gallant stated, "While eliminating Nasrallah is a crucial step, it's not the entire picture. We will employ all our capabilities, and if anyone on the other side misunderstands what we mean by capabilities, it encompasses everything – and you are integral to this effort. We have full confidence in your ability to execute any task."
