IDF Chief of Staff Declares Victory Over Hezbollah

In a recent situational assessment, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi declared a "clear victory" over Hezbollah, but emphasized that "true victory" would be realized only once Israel's northern region is revived. Halevi’s comments come amid the ongoing displacement of nearly 70,000 residents of northern Israel who were evacuated last October due to the threat of Hezbollah rocket fire. The current estimate suggests that these residents will not be able to return to their homes until at least the end of February, with the government approving additional funding to support their continued evacuation.

Halevi outlined the long-term vision for northern Israel, saying, “True victory means revitalizing the communities, tourism, restaurants, cafes, and agriculture here. This area must once again thrive.” He called on the state to provide strong support for the restoration of these vital sectors.

Military Operations and Ceasefire Agreement

The IDF remains active in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement signed with Hezbollah on November 27, which stipulates that Israeli forces should vacate southern Lebanon by the end of January. Under the agreement, the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL peacekeeping force are set to take over the region, while Hezbollah is required to retreat north of the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.

However, there have been ongoing tensions over the terms of the ceasefire. Both Hezbollah and Israel have accused each other of violating the agreement. Hezbollah has suggested resuming hostilities over Israel’s alleged attacks on southern Lebanon, which Israel defends as targeting Hezbollah operatives who violated the ceasefire by operating south of the Litani River. Since the ceasefire began, the IDF has reportedly eliminated at least 44 Hezbollah operatives.

While the immediate threat from Hezbollah has been diminished, the path to full recovery for northern Israel remains a challenge. The government’s decision to continue funding evacuation efforts until February signals the ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the displaced citizens. However, as Halevi highlighted, the ultimate goal is not just a military victory but the restoration of the social and economic fabric of the north.

The coming months will be critical in determining the future of northern Israel, as both the military and government work together to ensure a return to normalcy for the region’s citizens.