IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Efi Dufferin, issued a special statement from the Northern Command this evening (Thursday) - reviewing the activities of the security forces in Lebanon and the achievements of the fighting against Hezbollah.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Dufferin emphasized the goals of the fighting, the extent of the damage to the terrorist organization's command center and personnel, and referred to the response provided to the various threats in the field.
Dufferin said: "It is important for me to explain what the IDF is doing in Lebanon. First, our goal is clear - to protect the northern communities, to remove the threat, and to deeply harm and weaken Hezbollah over time. We are attacking with force all the time, our fighters are operating in the front line of defense and eliminating dozens of terrorists with each passing week. Since the beginning of the ceasefire alone, we have eliminated more than 700 terrorists in Lebanon. They join the over 2,500 terrorists we have eliminated since the beginning of Operation Roar of the Lion.".
He presented the operational significance of the data: "And why is this important? It is important because Hezbollah has about 30,000 terrorists, of whom we have already eliminated almost a third of its force. In recent days, we have hit sector commanders and operational officials - thereby significantly damaging Hezbollah's command and control capabilities. The Chief of Staff has instructed to increase the damage to it and deepen the blows it is receiving.".
""The forces on the ground continue to destroy Hezbollah's terror infrastructure - this is a consistent and systematic operation. Hezbollah is beaten and bruised and is in a war of survival for its continued existence - this is the reality on the ground. It is desperate for a ceasefire, it is fighting for its survival. Hezbollah is beaten, and is in a war of survival for its continued existence. Even at these moments - our fighters are crushing it on all its fronts.".
During his remarks, he addressed the loss of life among our forces: "This morning, we announced the death of Sergeant Rotem Yanai, may her memory be blessed. A noncommissioned officer in the Givati Brigade, Rotem worked for the fighters out of a deep love for the country and a belief in the justice of the cause. I share the family's grief, we will continue to accompany them in their difficult time.".
Continuing the statement, Brigadier General Dufferin detailed the technological and operational handling of the aircraft threats: "We are constantly engaged in responding to the drone threat. The best minds in the IDF and beyond are engaged in this. We are focusing on three central efforts - the detection effort, which is designed to provide early warning to the forces, and in which there is already progress; in addition, we are improving the interception effort; and the protection of the forces in the field. We continue to improve constantly, out of a commitment to providing our forces in the field with the best and most effective protection. As the Chief of Staff said yesterday, there is no limit to the use of force and resources when it comes to the security of our forces and the security of our residents.".
He described the activities of the Air Force and the maneuvering forces: "Even at these moments, IDF fighters on duty, regular and reserve are crushing Hezbollah on all its fronts - our fighters are operating with strength and achieving many achievements. The Air Force is operating non-stop in all arenas. Attacking all over Lebanon. In the last 24 hours alone, we attacked Tyre, Beirut and southern Lebanon with the assistance of trees for the maneuvering forces.".
Dufferin addressed the residents: "We are not stopping for a moment - our forces are maneuvering even at these moments and continue to deepen the damage with surprising and bold moves. Our forces are now operating in places that I, as a battalion commander, was unable to pass through and to which I was unable to reach, and they are doing it with great success. All of this is intended to keep the threat away from the northern communities.".
""Residents of the north, the IDF is with you and for you all the time, both on the front and in the rear. There is no power in the world that compares to your spirit - you demonstrate resilience, responsibility and strength. We will continue to act with strength and determination to protect you. To ward off the threat and to harm Hezbollah deeply and for a long time - these are the goals before our eyes.".
He issued a warning to the Iranian regime, "We will not relent, in any arena, near or far. The IDF is prepared to return to intense combat against the Iranian terrorist regime if necessary. We will continue to act everywhere in order to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. This is our duty.""
