IDF Chief of Staff Warns Northern Front Remains Active, Highlights Robotics

Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi visited the 91st Division on the Lebanese border on Wednesday to assess the operational situation and review new robotic capabilities and weaponry. He emphasized that the campaign in the north is not over and stated, "We will not allow Hezbollah to rearm."

During the visit, Kochavi met with senior commanders, including the head of the Northern Command and the head of Operations, to review the readiness of forces along the border. Soldiers from intelligence, the Yahalom special engineering unit, and reservists demonstrated advanced robotic systems and combat equipment being used in their missions.

Kochavi affirmed the division's defensive strategy, which includes operating from forward defense areas and deep within enemy territory beyond the border, according to the updated operational concept. He instructed commanders to maintain high operational readiness and vigilance in response to developments in the sector.

"The 91st Division is at the forefront of defense for the residents of the north. Our forces are working to neutralize threats while strengthening the defense of northern communities and residents. The campaign is not yet over, and the challenges still lie ahead," Kochavi stated. He added that the IDF has achieved significant operational gains and weakened Hezbollah, aiming to demilitarize the area south of the Litani River of Hezbollah presence and disarm the organization. He noted this goal cannot be achieved through a desirable agreement with the Lebanese government as long as the Lebanese army does not significantly improve its effectiveness.

Kochavi also revealed that the IDF will inaugurate a robotics division in the coming months, which will develop capabilities in air, sea, and land. "The battlefield is changing rapidly. This challenge requires us to be in constant motion, to learn quickly and improve constantly. As part of the lessons learned during the war, we are developing new capabilities and expanding the use of manned and unmanned systems to increase operational effectiveness. In the coming months, we will inaugurate the robotics division, which will develop capabilities in the air, at sea, and on land. What you see here is just the beginning," he said. He highlighted the impressive performance of these capabilities in recent battles, which increased operational effectiveness and saved soldiers' lives.