IDF Chief in the North: "No Containment — We’re Acting Proactively and Aggressively Against Every Threat"

(Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a joint situational assessment today (Thursday) with the forum of local council heads in northern Israel and members of the General Staff forum at Northern Command.

At the start of his remarks, Zamir said: "We chose to hold a joint situational assessment in order to deepen the dialogue and strengthen the partnership. We have a shared goal — protecting the residents and communities of the north and restoring calm and security over time. We are working together, shoulder to shoulder, for that purpose."

The chief of staff emphasized that the IDF continues to monitor developments across all combat arenas, but made clear that the main operational focus is currently on the northern border: "We are in a state of multi-front readiness and are looking at the full picture across the Middle East, but we are focused on the northern border. My directive is to concentrate the effort here — the bulk of the IDF’s order of battle and capabilities are in the northern arena."

Zamir referred to IDF activity on the Beaufort Ridge: "Just this week, IDF forces captured the Beaufort Ridge, destroying significant and critical terror infrastructure there that Hezbollah built over many long years, while expanding offensive operations."

He went on to address the impact of Israel’s military moves against Iran and its proxies in the region: "We weakened Iran and the axis in an unprecedented way, and by doing so we also significantly damaged and weakened Hezbollah, which serves as one of Iran’s centers of gravity. We created a new security reality, we are positioned at the front for the communities, and we are removing threats from above them."

Zamir also referred to the fighting that took place as part of "Roar of the Lion": "When we identified Hezbollah joining the campaign, we acted quickly and decisively to remove the threat of infiltration raids and the anti-tank missile threat against the communities. This is our policy — no containment. We act proactively and aggressively against every emerging threat."

Toward the end of the meeting, the chief of staff addressed the local council heads and spoke about the price being paid by residents and communities in the north during the war: "I am aware of the hardship and the price you are paying. This is a time for leadership, determination, and persistence. We are in a prolonged campaign, we have achieved significant accomplishments, and we have the upper hand."

He concluded by saying: "Our mission is your security and your protection — restoring calm and security over time. Together, we are committed to creating a better long-term security reality here."