IDF Chief Says Northern Front Remains Main Focus, But Other Arenas Are Also Being Monitored

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an inspection tour, plan approvals and a commanders’ discussion on Sunday with division and brigade commanders in the Northern Command, against the backdrop of continued fighting and the ground maneuver in Lebanon. He stressed the importance of focused operations on strategic ridges and said battlefield gains are directly tied to the diplomatic talks Israel is conducting.

Zamir told officers that the operation in Beaufort is “essential operationally and in terms of the campaign’s goals.” He said it is meant to deepen the military gains against Hezbollah and strip it of underground, command, control and fire capabilities it has built over many years. According to him, findings above and below ground show the importance of the infrastructure uncovered and the centrality of the Beaufort area and Mount Ali Taher to Hezbollah’s efforts to entrench itself and strike northern communities.

He also said Hezbollah had brought “a disaster on the State of Lebanon and the Shiite community,” adding that people in Lebanon understand this and that every village in southern Lebanon has become “an intricate network of terror infrastructure.” Zamir praised commanders for their offensive activity, initiative and determination over recent weeks, and said troops are operating with operational superiority and broad fire support from land and air.

The army’s goal, he said, is to remove the threat to northern Israeli towns and enable residents to return safely. He added that the military is closely tracking events while maintaining high alert and readiness across all fronts. “Lebanon is our main center of gravity, but we are also preparing for developments in other arenas,” he said. Zamir concluded that continued pressure in Lebanon will strengthen the defense of northern communities, increase the damage to Hezbollah, and improve security arrangements that will be decided in U.S.-mediated talks between Israel’s political leadership and the Lebanese government.