Netanyahu Visits Northern Front, Says Hezbollah Suffering ‘Crushing Blow’ as IDF Expands Operations in Lebanon.
Northern Border, Israel:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops operating along Israel’s northern border on Saturday, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai, where he praised military forces for what he described as significant successes against Hezbollah across Lebanon.
During the visit, Netanyahu received operational briefings from Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo, commander of the Northern Command, and Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin, who outlined ongoing military activities being conducted by the IDF’s 36th Division and other units engaged along the northern front.
The delegation also held discussions with brigade commanders currently deployed in operational areas and met with soldiers serving on the front lines.
Speaking during the visit, Netanyahu emphasized the morale and determination of Israeli forces, stating that he had witnessed an “immense fighting spirit” among both commanders and troops.
“From here, the battle against Hezbollah in the north is being managed,” Netanyahu said. “There are very impressive results here.”
The Prime Minister asserted that Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River and advanced to strategic positions within southern Lebanon. He further stated that military operations are being carried out in multiple regions, including Beirut and the Beqaa Valley, as part of a broader campaign against the Iran-backed militant group.
According to Netanyahu, the IDF’s operations have inflicted severe damage on Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
“We are operating in Beirut, in the Beqaa, across the entire width of the front, and we are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow,” he said.
Netanyahu added that reports from brigade commanders and soldiers indicated that Hezbollah fighters were being eliminated during engagements and, in some cases, retreating from confrontations with Israeli forces.
“In every contact with them, in every encounter, we are both eliminating Hezbollah and causing them to flee,” he stated.
The Prime Minister credited the military’s achievements to the determination and resilience of Israeli troops, praising both commanders and soldiers for their performance on the battlefield.
“You are lions. You have commanders who are lions, and you are proving the strength of the spirit of the Israel Defense Forces,” Netanyahu told the troops. “Keep going, with great success, until the very end.”
The visit comes amid continuing military operations along Israel’s northern front, where the IDF has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that the objective of the operation is to degrade Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and reduce threats to communities in northern Israel.
No additional operational details were released following the visit. However, the remarks from Israeli leaders underscore the government’s view that the ongoing offensive is achieving significant military gains while maintaining pressure on Hezbollah across multiple sectors of Lebanon.
