In light of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’ and the fighting against the terrorist regime in Iran, a series of changes have been made in recent days due to developments on the northern front. Alongside reinforcement along the Lebanese border, forces have entered additional points in the area and are holding a security zone aimed at pushing the threat away from the communities on the border line.
Behind some of the operational moves in the sector stands the planning cell of the 769th Brigade, where future steps are formulated. “We receive orders from the division, which we translate into a full planning process in all aspects – operational, logistical, and engineering,” explains Lt. Col. (Res.) L., the cell commander. “Everything happening in the sector that is not routine, from troop rotations to offensive maneuvers, passes through us.”
With the opening of the operation against Iran, many forces were deployed to the northern sector. One of the first steps was a significant reinforcement of the defense array along the border. “We entered the contact line strongly to be the first and ensure we are protecting the communities – and fulfilling the army’s mission of civilians first.”
However, it wasn’t long before a response came from Hezbollah. Under heavy pressure from the Revolutionary Guards, the terrorist organization opened fire towards Israeli territory. The IDF decided not to limit itself to defending the border line alone – but to take an active approach. “When Hezbollah began launching projectiles towards us, we transitioned to what we call ‘offensive defense’,” says Lt. Col. (Res.) L. “We created a significant security zone and took additional proactive steps to protect the residents.”
Behind the decision to act proactively is also intelligence information regarding the movement of Hezbollah operatives southward. “We are identifying the terrorist organization’s movement from its strongholds in Beirut towards southern Lebanon,” the cell commander clarifies. “The army had a well-ordered contingency plan for this situation, and as soon as we detected the preliminary signs – we moved forward.”
For example, two days ago, a drone from the Givati Reconnaissance Unit identified a terrorist cell in the new security zone. Initially, three terrorists were located, and later two more who entered a building in an evacuated village. “The force directed aerial fire to the location, which neutralized the threat. About two hours later, another terrorist was located and also neutralized.” During the operation, the soldiers also discovered an arms cache that included explosives, light weapons, communication devices, and ammunition.
“The terrorists are taking overt and covert actions in the villages in the area,” he notes. “Our goal is clear – we will not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its strongholds in the south. The security of the residents in the area is our top priority. We will continue to destroy enemy infrastructure, eliminate terrorists operating in the field, and neutralize capabilities.”
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