For the first time since the start of the war, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, head of the IDF Northern Command, gave an exclusive interview at Israel Hayom's Northern Conference. He addressed the visit of the education minister to his sector, the possibility of an enemy incursion in Israel's north, and Hezbollah's current state.
"The view from this hill in Kiryat Shmona is uplifting. Sitting here safely - this reflects how much the reality in the north has changed. This was our commitment, and I am glad we fulfilled the mission. The situation is safe, and it is completely different now," Gordin declared.
Regarding the return of Israeli residents to their homes near the border, he said, "It must happen. There is much to organize in the area. The transformation here is profound, and today, it is safe to live here. The north will return to what it was, and much more. This begins with the security changes we implemented. We struck Hezbollah significantly after a year of defense, shifting to an offensive approach nearly four months ago."
"We have set Hezbollah back decades"
Commenting on the status of the terrorist organization, Gordin stated, "First and foremost, we have set Hezbollah back decades. Its leadership has been almost entirely eliminated, from [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah to the last of its commanders in various sectors and strongholds. Thousands of terrorists have been neutralized, killed in battle or taken out in targeted strikes. More than 70% of Hezbollah's firepower has been destroyed, and it can no longer mount an effective strike."
When asked whether Hezbollah could still launch an incursion into northern Israel, he responded, "We have dismantled the Radwan Unit's defense, weapons stockpiles, and infrastructure. The Radwan forces and Hezbollah are incapable of invading the Galilee. Many terrorists have been eliminated or wounded, significantly reducing the threat of a northern incursion. The mission is not yet over, we must ensure that our achievements are preserved, that Hezbollah does not approach the frontline area, and that it does not use weapons against Israel."
Q: Can Lebanon be trusted to uphold the agreement?
"I trust, first and foremost, ourselves. Last night (Tuesday), we used an Israeli Air Force UAV to strike and destroy two Hezbollah weapons-laden vehicles. We will continue to defend Israel and ensure our security. The Lebanese government has understood - and continues to understand - that it is in its interest to reclaim control over its territory from Hezbollah."
Q: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has declared that the war will continue.
"We are currently in a ceasefire, but we have extensive operational plans in place. Everyone is within our broad fire and maneuvering strategies, and we have demonstrated that our plans can be executed effectively. Our readiness to resume fighting is extremely high."
Q: You used the word 'victory,' so let me put it in simple terms: Have we won?
"Hezbollah has been defeated, certainly on the operational and tactical military levels. This is a significant victory, but it will not be complete until the residents return home."
"Our mission to protect northern communities is at the core of our efforts," Gordin assured. "We are establishing a military outpost in every community along the confrontation line. The October 7 threat has been neutralized for the foreseeable future, and we must ensure this remains the case for years to come."
