IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment in southern Lebanon on Sunday, together with Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, and said Israel’s central goal remains protecting northern communities and Israeli civilians. He made the remarks while Israel faces American pressure, and said all IDF efforts are aimed at that mission, including operations in the Ali Tahar and Beaufort areas.
Zamir said that in the past two days the army had disrupted a significant mid-level command chain belonging to the Badr units and other formations. He described Ali Tahar and Beaufort as one of the Northern Command’s current focal points and said the area is a “subterranean fortress” Hezbollah built over 20 years.
He stressed that the ceasefire is “fragile” and that the IDF must stay at high readiness for a possible renewal of fighting, quick transition to attack, and countering threats if needed. “All IDF resources are allocated to this,” he said.
Zamir also praised soldiers from the 401st Armored Brigade, which has suffered heavy losses in recent days. “You continue to lead from the front, with determination, strength and fighting spirit. No one can stop the 401st Brigade. That is your spirit, that is the spirit of the IDF,” he said.
