IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held talks Sunday with division and brigade commanders in the Northern Command, as the IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorists in the heart of the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, and as the Iranians are simultaneously threatening to launch a counterattack. At the same time, the IDF stated that "the forces are preparing for Iran to attack Israel in the coming hours."
"We are closely monitoring developments while maintaining a high level of alert and readiness across all fronts. The reality at this time is sensitive and complex," Zamir said. "The entire IDF is determined, alert, ready and operating at varying levels of intensity across all sectors. Lebanon is our main center of gravity, but we are also preparing for developments in other fronts."
The chief of staff added, "The operation in Beaufort is essential from an operational standpoint and in relation to the goals of the campaign. The operation is intended to deepen the operational achievement against Hezbollah and deny it the underground, command, control and fire capabilities it developed over many years. The findings, both above ground and underground, attest to the importance of the infrastructure that was uncovered and to the centrality of the Beaufort area and Ali Taher Ridge for the organization in its attempts to entrench itself and harm residents of northern Israel. Hezbollah has brought disaster upon the State of Lebanon and the Shiite community; the citizens of Lebanon understand this very well. All the villages of southern Lebanon have become an extensive network of terrorist infrastructure."
In addition, US President Donald Trump stated: "This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran. Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process. We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down. There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let's not blow it!"
"From the ground and from the air"
"Our forces in the field are operating with operational superiority and receiving unlimited fire support, from the ground and from the air. We continue to act proactively and offensively, to deepen the maneuver where required, strengthen defense and remove the threat to residents of northern Israel. We continue to operate in Lebanon in order to strengthen the defense of northern communities and deepen the damage to Hezbollah through ground maneuver operations and systemic fire. Every additional operational achievement we bring will lead to the continued erosion and disintegration of Hezbollah's southern front and to improved security arrangements, which will be determined as part of the US-mediated negotiations between the political echelon and the Lebanese government."
Earlier, Israel attacked a Hezbollah command headquarters in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, after the terrorist organization fired toward Israeli territory. A joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strike was carried out at their direction and constituted a direct response to the fire. "Israel will not tolerate fire at its territory," the statement said. According to reports in Lebanon, three people were killed in the strike.
Following the strike, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said, "The chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, is holding ongoing situational assessments with all relevant commanders. In accordance with the situational assessments, the IDF is preparing for the possibility of fire toward the territory of the State of Israel in the coming hours. The IDF continues to maintain readiness and alertness for a range of scenarios in defense and offense. The IDF emphasizes that at this stage, the public should remain vigilant, act responsibly and follow the Home Front Command's instructions.
"As of now, there is no change to the Home Front Command's instructions. If changes occur, the public will be updated accordingly. The IDF will not tolerate fire toward the territory of the State of Israel."
