Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, said this Wednesday (19) that the country’s Defense Forces (IDF) are “preparing for any scenario” in relation to the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, with which it maintains an exchange daily shooting on the border with Lebanon, in the north of the country.
The Israeli military is training “on land and air, strengthening intelligence systems and preparing for all possibilities”, said the minister in a situation assessment meeting together with the IDF Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi.
Gallant also emphasized the IDF’s obligation to “change the situation in the north and ensure that citizens can return safely to their homes,” referring to the more than 60,000 displaced Israelis living near the border who are now staying in hotels. and other accommodation financed by the government.
The review meeting took place while in Lebanon, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reiterated that he is not seeking an open war with Israel, but that if Israeli forces declare war, the terrorist group will fight “without control, rules or limits “.
Nasrallah said he would include Cyprus as a belligerent in a possible conflict if it allows Israel to use its bases or airfields during a possible war with Lebanon.
Earlier this Wednesday afternoon, Halevi said that Israeli forces have “strong capabilities of which the enemy is only partially aware”, in response to a video released by Hezbollah this Tuesday (18) showing images of Israeli territory captured by a drone that flew over the north of the country.
“They will meet them when necessary, at the right time,” Halevi added on Wednesday on a visit to air defense batteries along the border.
The border with Lebanon is experiencing its highest peak of tension since 2006, with an exchange of fire since October 8 last year that, in recent weeks, has become increasingly constant and intense, increasing fears of war open between the sides.
To date, this escalation of violence has caused the deaths of around 500 people, the majority among Hezbollah fighters, which has confirmed around 320 casualties. (With EFE Agency)
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