As Lebanese front heats up, IDF Northern Command completes training program

Israel Defense Forces have successfully concluded a specialized training program for battalion commanders within the Northern Command, in preparation for potential activity with Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon. The training took place at the headquarters of the Northern Command and included both active and reserve units. 

Commanders outlined the operational and strategic plans for the northern framework in light of lessons learned from the current fighting in the Gaza Strip. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi presented the strategic challenges and preparations for the continuation of the war. 

Battalion commanders enhanced their expertise in artillery, intelligence, engineering, information and communication technology (ICT) and administrative support via several stations designed to simulate various capabilities and their integration on the battlefield.

The commanding officer of Nothern Command, Maj.-Gen. Uri Gordin, stated: “We are at war. We have been at war for almost half a year now, and it doesn't end with Hezbollah. Last night, we operated against al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya, successfully thwarting a large number of operatives, and this morning Hezbollah itself decided to respond against Kiryat Shmona.”  

“We are conducting very significant strikes against Hezbollah, and we will continue to be aggressive in order to strike and push Hezbollah back significantly,” Gordin continued. "We are determined to change the security situation in the north so that the residents can return to the north safely and with a sense of security.” 

The northern front has seen a recent escalation in hostile activity, with Hezbollah launching over 100 rockets in the past three days. 

Despite the escalation, senior Israeli officials told Israel Hayom that the increased barrages are not yet cause for a ground war with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. However, one official told the news site that after the IDF finishes operations in the southern town of Rafah, there will be a ground operation to remove Hezbollah from southern Lebanon. 

Another official told Israel Hayom that while Israel takes international concerns into account, the government is ready to act independently. 

“We would like our support in international institutions to continue, but we will also act without it,” the official stated. 

He also said that the IDF will not enter Rafah until it finishes operations in Khan Younis, as it would be impossible to move evacuees out of Rafah until fighting in nearby Khan Younis is over. 

“Achieving the strategic goal of returning the residents of the north to their homes requires a ground war,” the official said. “We will do this after Rafah, not at the same time.” 

Gordin said: “We are striking Hezbollah very powerfully and strongly, and also causing a lot of damage in the areas where it operates. If we understand that we need to act, we will act tonight as well, the readiness is there.”