Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted a strategic assessment of the situation on Sunday atop Mount Chermon’s Israeli side, joined by brigade and battalion commanders.
The officers reviewed Hezbollah’s historical aggression in the region, alongside Iran and its proxies’ attempts to establish a foothold in the Golan Heights.
Gallant then engaged with soldiers from the Armored Corps’ 53rd Battalion, discussing operations in Gaza and readiness for potential ground actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He emphasized, “Their primary objective is to degrade enemy preparedness and enhance IDF readiness for any conceivable development.”
Addressing the troops, the Defense Minister stated, “I have issued clear directives to forces both in the South and the North—these are distinct sectors. Even if negotiations for a hostage agreement are reached, they do not affect operations here unless Hezbollah agrees. Even if there is a ceasefire elsewhere, our operations continue unabated—we will achieve results.”
He further noted, “Hezbollah has suffered 450 casualties, including with Palestinian organizations. They are feeling the impact; 15 commanders, including three brigade commanders, have been neutralized—this accounts for over 50 percent of Hezbollah’s leadership in southern Lebanon. The impact is profound and visible.”
These developments coincided with clashes between Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a prospective ceasefire agreement and legislative measures to address the IDF’s personnel challenges.
Shortly following Gallant’s assessment, rocket sirens sounded in northern Golan Heights, swiftly intercepted by Israel’s aerial defense system.
{Matzav.com Israel}
