Israel's security establishment says it sees a troubling shift in Hezbollah's tactics that could change the fighting in the north. According to a report in Israel Hayom, senior military officials warned the political leadership this week that Hezbollah may be returning on a large scale to its former method of using explosive devices against IDF forces operating in the area.
The warning follows the deadly incident on Wednesday in Lebanon, when Reserve Master Sergeant Alexander Filin was killed by a powerful explosive used against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Several officers and additional soldiers were wounded in that attack, including the deputy commander of Division 36.
Intelligence assessments say Hezbollah is deliberately using old bombs as part of an effort to obscure its tracks, create ambiguity, and avoid a direct and severe Israeli response against its key assets. Despite those efforts, the IDF says it will not remain silent over harm to soldiers or violations of sovereignty.
In response to repeated ceasefire breaches by the group's operatives in recent days, the IDF launched a broad wave of strikes overnight and says the attacks are continuing. The military said it is hitting Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure across several areas in southern Lebanon. The strikes come amid significant diplomatic sensitivity, after Iran reportedly tied its signature on a new memorandum with the United States to a complete Israeli halt to attacks in Lebanon and a full Israeli pullback behind the border. Israeli officials say military protection of citizens and borders will take priority, and that any attack or violation will be answered forcefully by the air force.
