IDF Chief Warns Lebanon Army on Border Deal, Highlights Northern Readiness

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are maintaining full operational readiness across all fronts, including during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, with forces active in southern Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and along the Gaza border. In the Northern Command, troops are operating in the security zone in southern Lebanon and Syria. The Central Command has conducted extensive drills and readiness exercises in the Judea and Samaria region, including a surprise drill involving all battalions in the regional brigade, alongside over 220 arrests of wanted individuals.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi visited the 36th Division in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the destruction of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge. He warned Hezbollah that any village harboring terrorists endangers itself and that the IDF will not allow the organization to re-establish itself. Kochavi also criticized the Lebanese army's effectiveness, stating that progress on the agreement between Israel and Lebanon is contingent on their performance, and reiterated Israel's commitment to defending its northern communities.

Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the destruction of the Ali Taher tunnels as creating an unprecedentedly strong security zone protecting Israeli communities. Meanwhile, the IDF confirmed the elimination of Hamas's Khan Yunis brigade commander, Muhammad Yazouri, and a company commander in a joint operation with the Shin Bet in Gaza, thwarting numerous terror plots. The IDF also intercepted over 30 pistols and two M-16 rifles smuggled across the Jordan border.

In a message to soldiers, Kochavi praised their dedication, particularly those serving in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Judea and Samaria, acknowledging the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and the wounded. The IDF is preparing for potential escalation on multiple fronts, including Iran and Yemen, and has reinforced its presence in the Beaufort area to prevent Hezbollah incursions into the yellow line. The article also briefly mentions US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's remarks on confronting terrorists and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and reports that President Trump refused a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strike the Houthis.