Golani Reconnaissance Unit commander Lt. Col. B. reveals details of the operation to clear the Litani River area in a special interview and says “the conditions are ready” for expanding activity northward. The forces destroyed terrorist infrastructure, fighting tunnels and rocket launchers up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) from northern Israeli communities, inside the “yellow line” under Israeli control.
The heavy exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon continue. Hezbollah is launching explosive drones at IDF soldiers, while the military has yet to provide an adequate defensive solution. The IDF is operating with “one hand tied behind its back” because its activity is limited to what has been defined as the “yellow line.”
Jerusalem is making clear there will be no compromise on dismantling Iran's enrichment capabilities and removing all enriched material from its territory. Israel's concern: The Americans will sign a "thin" nuclear deal that abandons the fight against Tehran's missiles and terrorist proxies.
IDF officials warn that the quiet from Gaza is “misleading.” On the ground, Hamas supplies itself through smuggling from the air, sea and land, rebuilding its strength and rearming. The humanitarian aid it has seized is giving it cash and oxygen. That is why officials believe it is now important for Israel to keep insisting on advancing an agreement to demilitarize the Gaza Strip.
Malek Balout, a senior commander in Hezbollah's elite unit, was the target of the strike in Dahiyeh. Netanyahu and Katz: "No terrorist has immunity. Israel's long arm will reach every enemy and murderer."
Israeli security officials believe Trump still wants to exhaust negotiations with Tehran.
Hezbollah is still in the learning stage, but the IDF believes that drone swarms in southern Lebanon, similar to those seen on the Ukrainian battlefield, are only a matter if time. The temporary solutions: improvised nets, Smart Shooter rounds and interception drones.
The IDF says its operational goals in Iran have been achieved, but there is still work to be done. The concern: The Iranian regime could still race toward a bomb. Revealed: The Israeli Air Force proposed to the US that Unit 669 take part in the rescue of the American crew member. Plus: The possible achievement in intercepting drones.
Israeli officials are growing frustrated over Hezbollah's use of explosive drones, adding that entire region is watching. Three Israelis were killed in the past week as a result of these drones.
Amid a lack of an adequate response, forces in the field are deploying nets to “trap” the drones. Senior IDF officer: “The writing was on the wall. We should have prepared long ago.”
