The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, General Hertzi Halevi, stated that Hezbollah could turn all of Lebanon into a battleground, which would carry a heavy cost. In a speech on Saturday night, Halevi mentioned, “We operate freely in Lebanese airspace, attack any threat, and make Hezbollah pay a heavy price,” as reported by the Israeli newspaper “Maariv.”
Halevi remarked that “the security situation in the north is already taking shape these days.” He added, “We are pushing Radwan fighters away from the border and damaging Hezbollah’s capabilities that have been built over years.”
The IDF Chief of Staff further stated, “South Lebanon is a battleground and will remain so as long as Hezbollah operates there.” He explained that Hezbollah has chosen to be a “shield for Hamas,” and they are making it pay an increasing price for this role. Halevi warned those waiting for the end of the conflict in the north to stop fighting in the Gaza Strip, stating, “We will make them pay an increasing price. This has been the case, and this is how it will continue.”
Halevi asserted that they are ready and committed to changing the security situation in a way that allows residents to return safely to their homes in both the north and the south.
He emphasized that Israel is waging war on several fronts simultaneously and with varying intensity, operating everywhere. The Israeli military chief stated that there would be no immunity for those who seek to harm them, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or other areas around the world.
The border areas in southern Lebanon have been experiencing security tensions and exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah since Hamas launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” on October 7, leading to Israel declaring war on the Gaza Strip.
