IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effi Defrin held a briefing on Tuesday in which he said the military had identified a significant Hezbollah buildup, with large-scale rocket fire from Lebanese territory expected during the evening hours. "We assess that Hezbollah is planning to launch rocket salvos into Israeli territory during the evening," he said. According to military assessments, Home Front Command directives would be identical to those issued during the last heavy barrage from Lebanon, the previous Wednesday.
"They are using fire from the air and from the ground – we are trying to disrupt that," the IDF spokesperson said. "Hezbollah is making moves to inflame the area. We are prepared both defensively and offensively, ready to strike when the opportunity arises. Last week, the terrorist organization managed to disrupt some of what we were doing. Interception rates were good, but Hezbollah saw the coverage in the Israeli media and the public pressure as a success."
"They will try to cause public panic"
"We assess that Hezbollah will attempt to launch such salvos every few days," he said. "Today's intelligence is similar to last week's. We are releasing early information to the public to prevent unnecessary panic. There is no doubt that Hezbollah will try to cause public panic. Home Front Command will issue special guidelines to the public. We are preparing for fire toward both the north and the center. There is no intelligence indicating coordination between Hezbollah and Iran, but we are preparing for that as well. We are preparing for Hezbollah to fire toward both the north and the center."
According to the military, "The IDF is working to thwart the terrorist organization's operations. The IDF asks the public to remain alert and follow Home Front Command directives."
"The attack – probably at 7 p.m."
"Based on the information in our possession, we are preparing in the coming hours for the possibility of an intense and widespread attack from the direction of Lebanon – likely around 7 p.m.," Moshe Davidovitch, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, said. "Please prepare accordingly by staying close to protected spaces and listening to the directives. We are here with our teams and the council leadership, along with all emergency teams, prepared for every scenario and updated at every moment. Keep following the announcements. Together, calmly and responsibly, we will get through this too. Take care of yourselves."
