Defense Minister Yisrael Katz issued a statement today (Thursday) about Operation Eternal Darkness, revealing for the first time the systematic operational plan being led by the security establishment in southern Lebanon.
According to Katz, the latest operation left Hezbollah in a state of "shock and confusion" given the depth of the infiltration and the extent of the damage caused to its infrastructure. Data provided by the Minister of Defense indicates that yesterday alone, over 200 terrorists were eliminated, bringing the number of deaths among Hezbollah since the beginning of the campaign to over 1,400.
Defense Minister: "Operation 'Eternal Darkness' was a very strong blow to Hezbollah's face that left it stunned and confused by the depth of the penetration and the scope of the blow. Over 200 terrorists were eliminated yesterday, bringing the number of those eliminated in this campaign to over 1,400 - more than twice that of the Second Lebanon War.".
According to Katz, "The terrorist organization Hezbollah is desperate for a ceasefire, and its Iranian patrons are also pressuring and threatening - out of grave fear that Israel will crush Hezbollah. The IDF is prepared and ready to act forcefully - if Iran fires at Israel.".
The minister emphasized: "The agreement on the separation of arenas is an important achievement led by the Prime Minister, and allows us to act forcefully against Hezbollah according to an orderly plan based on four lines:
The border line - Including the destruction of houses in the Lebanese border villages; The line of defenders inside Lebanon - which was expanded from 5 to 15 points; Anti-tank line - whose capture was completed through the ground maneuver and work is currently underway to expand it to additional points; andLitani Line "- where the IDF will control as part of its control of the Litani area and prevent the infiltration of additional terrorists and the return of residents to the south.".
""At the same time, the IDF will attack from the air, in accordance with the Iranian model and with great force, the terrorists and launchers in the Litani area and in the launch areas throughout Lebanon outside the Litani area. We promised to bring security to the residents of the north, and that is exactly what we will do.".
