Staff Reports
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced operational plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists responsible for escalating attacks on Israel. The terrorist aggression began shortly after the Hamas assault from the Gaza Strip on October 7.
Top brass MG Ori Gordin from the Northern Command and MG Oded Basiuk from the Operations Directorate jointly approved these plans, signaling that Israel is not about to sit idly by while its sovereignty is threatened. The IDF leaders conducted a careful situational assessment before greenlighting the increased readiness of their troops.
The Israeli military says that as a part of the situational assessment, operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon were approved and validated, and decisions were taken on the continuation of increasing the readiness of troops in the field. pic.twitter.com/FDr8IFWICu
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) June 18, 2024
Israel’s readiness does not necessarily mean that an offensive is imminent, but it serves as a clear message to Iran and its proxies that further provocations will not go unanswered. Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens has been underscored through the evacuation of residents in northern towns and kibbutzim, creating a crucial buffer zone against the Hezbollah threat.
Hezbollah has been relentless, boasting about launching over 40 attacks on Israel within a mere three-day period. They’ve utilized an arsenal that includes rockets, missiles, and kamikaze drones, all courtesy of Tehran’s terror logistics network that stretches through Iraq and Syria. If anyone still doubted Iran’s hand in the puppet strings of Middle Eastern terror groups, this should erase any uncertainty.
Even without a full-scale offensive in motion, Israel is not passively waiting for the next strike. The IDF has been successfully targeting Hezbollah operatives, showing that they’re ready to neutralize threats even preemptively. Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli forces eliminated a Hezbollah UAV squad—an unmistakable reminder that Israel’s defense mechanisms are sharp and its resolve is unwavering.
As Hezbollah is geographically well-placed to receive a continuous flow of weaponry from Iran, Israel’s vigilance is not just necessary to protect its borders but to ensure the safety of its most populous cities from far-reaching enemy attacks.
