IDF Chief of Staff Warns Hezbollah Against Re-establishing Terror Infrastructure

IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, issued a stern warning to Hezbollah on Wednesday during a visit to the Israeli military's Northern Command. "We will not allow Hezbollah to establish terrorist infrastructures in the region. Any attempt by the enemy to establish itself, strengthen its capabilities, or threaten northern Israeli communities will result in an immediate and powerful response," Zamir stated, according to an IDF communiqué. Accompanied by officials including the Commander of the Northern Region, General Rafi Milo, and the Commander of the Ground Forces, General Nadav Lotan, Zamir visited the 91st Division, responsible for defending the Lebanese border. Following an assessment of the situation and a tour of the Al-Khiyam sector in southern Lebanon, he reiterated the army's determination to prevent any reconstitution of Hezbollah's military capabilities. Zamir asserted that Hezbollah had once again proven itself to be a proxy for Iran, not Lebanese patriots, and that its actions harmed Lebanon and its citizens. He also emphasized that the IDF remains mobilized against regional threats, stating, "The Israeli army is closely monitoring developments on both near and far fronts and is prepared to strike any enemy that attempts to attack us, as we have done in the past." He added that Israeli forces had significantly weakened Hezbollah over the past three years of fighting but assured that the IDF could escalate further if necessary. The visit also featured the presentation of a new "robotic combat team" concept developed by the 769th Brigade and the 869th Field Intelligence Battalion. This initiative utilizes robotic systems and advanced technologies deployed ahead of or alongside soldiers to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce danger. Praising it as a "major breakthrough," Zamir ordered the acceleration of integrating these capabilities into combat units, aiming to create battlefield advantage and superiority while prioritizing the protection of northern Israeli residents.