An Israeli official said on Sunday that the return to normal civilian life in northern Israel on the border with Lebanon is the way to “truly defeat Hezbollah.”
“To truly defeat Hezbollah – because militarily, we have already won, and our victory is very clear – to truly win, to achieve long-term victory, many living here (northern Israel) residents, huge tourism, reopen the restaurants and cafes that used to be here, so people can come to cycle, agriculture can flourish – everything can flourish,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff general Staff, LTG Harji Halevi said while visiting Southern Lebanon.
“This is a long-term victory. And the state must come forward and firmly reinforce this responsibility,” he said.
Fox News confirmed that Halevi had conducted a situational assessment on Sunday with MG Ori Gordin, commanding officer of Northern Command in southern Lebanon; BG Yiftach Norkin, commanding officer of the 146th Division; the commanding officer of the 300th Brigade, Colonel Omri Rosencrantz; And other senior officials.
IDF finds Hezbollah weapons cache in underground tunnel: video
IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Harzi Halevi, conducts a situational assessment with MG Ori Gordin, commanding officer of Northern Command in southern Lebanon, December 29, 2024; BG Yiftach Norkin, commanding officer of the 146th Division; the commanding officer of the 300th Brigade, Colonel Omri Rosencrantz; And other senior officials. (IDF)
A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon for a month till Friday.
Since the 60-day accord came into force on November 27, Israeli forces have been waging an operation in southern Lebanon they say is aimed at destroying terror tunnels and Hezbollah command centers.
According to the New York Times, Israeli forces have continued attacks even after the ceasefire agreement went into effect, mostly in southern Lebanon, but now, a few days ago, also in the eastern Bekaa region.
Halevi conducted a situational assessment in southern Lebanon on December 29, 2024. (IDF)
IDF soldiers accuse UN peacekeepers of enabling Hezbollah militants amid increasing ceasefire violations
Israeli officials say Hezbollah is trying to test Israel by smuggling weapons across the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Thousands of Israelis have evacuated villages on the Lebanon border after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in allegiance with Hamas militants in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
IDF Chief of General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, conducts a situational assessment in southern Lebanon, December 29, 2024. (IDF)
In response Israeli forces invaded Lebanon, severely weakening Hezbollah, forcing the group to make concessions.
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The Times reports that thousands of people displaced inside Lebanon have begun returning home since the ceasefire agreement took effect.
