Two days after the northern ceasefire took effect, and after IDF soldiers were killed during the latest fighting, the military’s chief of staff said on Sunday that the pause does not mean the campaign is over. During a visit to southern Lebanon with maneuver brigade commanders, he stressed that despite the agreement behind the ceasefire, the IDF remains fully prepared for renewed combat.
“The ceasefire that was declared is fragile, and we must be ready at high readiness for a renewal of combat activity, for neutralizing threats and for a rapid transition to attack if needed. All IDF resources are allocated to this,” he said.
He said the army’s “clear” objective remains protecting northern communities and Israeli civilians. “For that we are directing all of our efforts,” he said, adding that operations in the areas of “Ali Tahar” and Beaufort are also intended to serve that goal.
The chief of staff also addressed Brigade 401, which suffered casualties during the war, and praised its commanders and soldiers for continuing to fight despite heavy losses. “Commanders of Brigade 401, I salute you. The brigade is proving strength and resilience in the face of the casualties it has suffered throughout the war, among its soldiers and in its command ranks. Brigade 401 cannot be stopped. That is your spirit, that is the spirit of the IDF,” he said.
