Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a definitive statement during his visit to the Lebanese border on Sunday, highlighting Israel’s commitment to pushing Hezbollah beyond the Litani River, located approximately 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.
Netanyahu’s visit included an assessment with commanders regarding the operational picture and both defensive and offensive plans for ongoing activities in the sector, according to a statement from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office. He was accompanied by the Head of Northern Command, Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin, 91st Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Shai Kalfer, and various brigade commanders.
“The Prime Minister also met with reserve commanders of the Northern NAHAL Brigade (#228) and spoke with them about their combat to date,” the statement noted.
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During his visit, Netanyahu remarked, “I am here on the northern border. From here, one can see and hear the changed reality – aircraft overhead and our heroic fighters on the ground, beyond the borderline, eliminating the entire underground terrorist network that Hezbollah had prepared to raid the Galilee and carry out an even bigger massacre than occurred in Gaza. This has not happened.”
He emphasized the importance of restoring calm and security in northern Israel to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes. “We are striking all areas in Lebanon. I would like to make it clear: With or without an agreement, the key to restoring the calm and security in the north, the key to returning our residents in the north safely to their homes, is – first of all – to push Hezbollah beyond the Litani. Second is to strike at any attempt to rearm itself. Third is to respond vigorously to any action against us. Simply put, enforcement, enforcement, enforcement – and cutting off Hezbollah’s pipeline from Iran through Syria. To all of this we are committed,” Netanyahu stated.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported the destruction of a Hezbollah terrorist compound, claiming it was used to “plan and execute” strikes against Israeli troops.
In a post on X, the IDF said, “During a targeted IDF operation, our troops dismantled a Hezbollah terrorist compound. Hezbollah intended to use this compound to plan and execute an infiltration into Israeli territory and attacks on IDF troops.”
During a targeted IDF operation, our troops dismantled a Hezbollah terrorist compound. Hezbollah intended to use this compound to plan and execute an infilitration into Israeli territory and attacks on IDF troops.
Within the compound, the soldiers located underground… pic.twitter.com/bbJsykl5Gi
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 3, 2024
The IDF noted that within the compound, soldiers found underground infrastructure and hideouts equipped with logistical and medical supplies for prolonged stays, military tents, and pits stocked with weapons. “The troops also located and destroyed rocket launchers, high-powered explosives, mortar shells, and AK-47 rifles during the operation. The troops also located and destroyed rocket launchers, high-powered explosives ready to be activated, anti-tank missiles, mortar shells, AK-47 rifles, surface-to-air missiles, and a launcher concealed in a mountain on a several-meter track aimed directly at civilian communities in northern Israel,” the IDF added.
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