Israel Deploys Forces Across All Fronts Amid High Holiday Alert

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that all regular and reserve forces are operating across all fronts during the Rosh Hashanah holiday, following the destruction of a complex tunnel system in the Ali Tahir ridge in southern Lebanon the previous day. Northern Command forces continue operations in southern Lebanon and Syria, while Central Command forces are deployed to strengthen defenses and counter-terrorism efforts. In the southern sector, forces are positioned along the "Yellow Line" (the border with Gaza) to neutralize immediate threats, and the Air Force is actively defending the airspace. The Navy is ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation.

Central Command recently concluded a series of drills and readiness checks in the Judea and Samaria (West Bank) division to enhance alert levels for the holiday. These included dozens of exercises, such as a two-brigade drill along the seam line and brigade-level drills across regional brigades, alongside preparedness inspections. This heightened activity coincided with intensified counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the arrest of over 220 wanted individuals.

The IDF also revealed details of a complex operation lasting approximately four months, which involved deceiving Hezbollah, prolonged combat against dozens of militants entrenched underground, and efforts to prevent escalation into a direct confrontation with Iran. Senior officers stated that while Hezbollah anticipated an IDF move towards the Saluki River, the 36th Division executed a feint, opened a route towards the Litani River, and attacked the enemy from their rear, catching them by surprise.

Following the capture of the Beaufort area, the operation shifted north to the Ali Tahir ridge. For three months, IDF forces engaged dozens of Hezbollah operatives in this area, facing constant threats from explosive drones. The IDF estimates that around 50 militants were present in the compound, with most eliminated during the fighting. Some militants were killed while attempting to escape the tunnels, encountering elite Egoz unit soldiers in close-quarters combat.