An Israeli official highlighted the importance of restoring civilian life in northern Israel along the border with Lebanon as a key strategy to defeat Hezbollah. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, emphasized that achieving long-term victory over Hezbollah goes beyond military success.
Halevi stressed the significance of having residents return to the region, promoting tourism, reopening businesses, and revitalizing agriculture. He underscored that a thriving civilian life in northern Israel is essential for lasting victory against Hezbollah.
During a situational assessment in southern Lebanon, Halevi, along with other senior officers, discussed the progress made since the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect. The agreement, which has held for a month, has allowed Israeli forces to target terror tunnels and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure.
Despite the cease-fire, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon and recently expanded their strikes to the eastern Bekaa region. Israeli officials have raised concerns about Hezbollah's attempts to smuggle weapons across the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Following Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel in October 2023, thousands of Israelis evacuated border villages. In response, Israeli forces conducted operations in Lebanon, significantly weakening Hezbollah and prompting the group to make concessions.
Since the cease-fire agreement, hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in Lebanon have begun returning home, indicating a gradual restoration of normalcy in the region.
