The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, visited the northern sector today (Saturday) with the Commander of the Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Shai Klepper, the commander of Division 91, Brig. Gen. Yuval Gev, the commander of Brigade 769, Col. Y’, and additional commanders.
As part of the visit, the Chief of Staff met with the head of the Metula Local Council, David Azulai, and the mayor of Kiryat Shmona, Avichai Stern. He presented them with the operational situation and discussed the IDF’s plans going forward.
The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, said: “We are operating according to a systematic plan. We attacked in Iran and prepared for the opening of the campaign in the north. Hezbollah is a central proxy of the Iranian terror regime – the more we strike and weaken Iran, the more we will weaken Hezbollah. We are working to distance the threat and will stand on the front line as a buffer between the communities and any threat.”
“We continue to strike the head of the snake forcefully and will not stop until true security is restored to the area – we will not return to a policy of rounds. The best of our forces are constantly operating proactively and offensively, and are doing an extraordinary job. Hezbollah is paying, and will continue to pay a heavy price for attempting to threaten our citizens.”
We will not stop until the threat is removed from the border and long-term security is ensured for the residents of the north. It is important for me to tell you that we are doing everything to strengthen security. I have come here to strengthen you and to tell you that I and the entire IDF are here with you. We appreciate you, the residents of the north, and thank you. Your steadfastness and the resilience you demonstrate – are what enable us to continue attacking and striking our enemies until victory.”