IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir told northern leaders that the military stands "shoulder to shoulder" with their communities during a joint assessment of the security situation in northern Israel on Thursday.
Zamir emphasized that the military's goal is to protect northern Israeli communities and increase the damage done to Hezbollah in Lebanon, thereby creating a new security reality for the North.
“We have a shared goal: protecting the residents of the north and restoring lasting peace and security," said Zamir. "We are working together, shoulder to shoulder, toward that goal."
The IDF Chief added that Israel maintains a "multi-front state of readiness," prepared for threats from across the region while retaining a primary focus on the Israel-Lebanon border.
"The majority of the IDF’s troops and capabilities are deployed in the northern arena, he said. "Just this week, IDF troops operated in the Beaufort Ridge area, dismantling significant and critical Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure that had been built over many years."
Zamir also discussed Operation Roaring Lion, noting that Israeli military action had weakened Iran and its proxies to an "unprecedented degree," adding that the operation "significantly" damaged Hezbollah as well.
"We acted swiftly and decisively to eliminate the threat of infiltration raids and anti-tank attacks against the [northern] communities," Zamir said. "This is our policy - there is no containment. We act with initiative and defensive action against every emerging threat."
IDF Chief thanks soldiers, commanders
He concluded by expressing his appreciation for local commanders and IDF soldiers, saying he is "aware of the difficulties" they face and the "price" they pay.
"This is a time for leadership, determination, and perseverance," said Zamir. "We are engaged in a prolonged operation, we have achieved significant accomplishments, and we hold the upper hand."
Our mission is your security and your protection - restoring lasting peace and security," he added. "Together, we are committed to creating a better security reality here for the long term.”