Israeli military expects significant Hezbollah response in Lebanon
Israeli military officials believe that Hezbollah may eventually launch a significant response to the presence of the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon. According to the IDF's assessment, the group's leadership is monitoring developments surrounding Iran, while further decisions depend on Tehran, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Actions of Israeli troops in Lebanon
Officers of Israel's Northern Command warned that the prolonged presence of troops in static positions in Lebanon could be dangerous for the IDF and lead to casualties. According to them, intelligence and surveillance assets are recording that Hezbollah is studying the Israeli army's activities, taking into account the experience of its operations, and trying to operate covertly through guerrilla cells.
The IDF has designated the area between territories controlled by Israel and Hezbollah as a kill zone. Northern Command chief Major General Rafi Milo formulated the policy as follows: anyone who enters this area will be killed. To speed up the detection and engagement of targets, the Israeli army is strengthening coordination between ground forces, the air force and military intelligence.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Assessment of Hezbollah's capabilities
According to the officers' assessment, the group no longer has the same experienced senior leadership, funding, arsenal, fortified underground positions and field commanders as it did at the beginning of the war nearly three years ago. At the same time, the military stresses that Hezbollah should not be underestimated: it is building up its forces and preparing for the next stage, including increasing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and fiber-optically controlled drones.
Israeli military command is also discussing whether the army will be able to maintain a presence in Lebanon for a long time. Winter weather may limit the capabilities of ground units and aviation, while the budget crisis and the strain on regular-service personnel are additional factors.
According to the publication, Hezbollah fears that Israel's further actions may be directed at Nabatieh. For now, the IDF is limiting its activity in the area to airstrikes.
