IDF's Mission in Northern Israel: Safeguarding Civilians and Targeting Hezbollah

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to intensify their operations along the northern front, with the primary mission of ensuring the safe return of residents to their homes in northern Israel. On Wednesday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi conducted a situational assessment with the 98th Division in southern Lebanon, alongside other key military leaders, including Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin of the Northern Command and Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar of the Israeli Air Force.

During the meeting, Halevi emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah, particularly in the towns of Metulla, Kiryat Shmona, Misgav Am, and Kfar Yuval, which have been targeted by the enemy. "You are here, operating with determination and professionalism with substantial achievements, to ensure the safe return of the residents of these towns," he told the division.

Key Military Objectives and Achievements

The mission in the northern region aims to eliminate Hezbollah's military infrastructure and neutralize its threat. Halevi acknowledged the successful destruction of weapons storage facilities, anti-tank missile sites, and surface-to-surface rocket posts, which have brought Israel closer to its goal of significantly damaging Hezbollah's operational capabilities.

Halevi also praised the cooperation between the IDF’s ground forces and the Israeli Air Force, noting the unique collaboration on the battlefield. "I’ve never seen a time in Israel’s history when the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force met with division officers on the battlefield," Halevi remarked, highlighting the strategic importance of air support in the ongoing operations.

Economic Sanctions Against Hezbollah

In a parallel effort to disrupt Hezbollah's operations, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, imposed sanctions on 24 individuals linked to Al-Qard Al-Hasan, a financial institution with ties to the terrorist group. The sanctions, which are part of Israel's broader economic strategy against Hezbollah, aim to target the financing channels that sustain the group's activities. These individuals had reportedly deposited large sums into the institution, directly funding Hezbollah’s procurement of weapons and operational costs.

Katz underscored the significance of the sanctions, stating, “We will not allow Hezbollah and its supporters to continue funding terrorism against the State of Israel. This is a clear and unequivocal message: we will reach anyone who supports terrorism—on every front and by any means.” The sanctions are expected to disrupt Hezbollah’s financial networks, thereby weakening the group's ability to operate both locally and internationally.