IDF continues strikes on Hezbollah positions along border as Israeli Defense Minister Gallant visits northern front

Israel Defense Forces struck several Hezbollah sites in Lebanon on Saturday after detecting launches towards Israel. 

IDF fighter jets attacked military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanese territory earlier this evening, after a number of launches were identified from Lebanese territory towards Israeli territory. No hits were identified in our territory,” according to IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari.

The IDF also struck a vehicle near the border being used by Hezbollah operatives. 

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in northern Israel to conduct an assessment of the situation on the Lebanese border at the headquarters of the 146th Division. 

Gallant reviewed the defense activities in the border area and spoke with reserve brigade and battalion commanders about the situation. 

“We are defending in the north and attacking with full force in the Gaza Strip. We are not interested in going to war in the north. Yahya Sinwar made a mistake and sealed the fate of Hamas. If Nasrallah makes a mistake, he will decide Lebanon's fate,” Gallant told the commanders.

He also said that the Israeli Air Force was preserving most of its strength and resources for a response to Hezbollah. 

Gallant praised the division's reserve fighters for their activity in the north and expressed his appreciation for the reservists' full mobilization and long stay in the field. 

“I have just completed a visit to the headquarters of the 146th Division on the northern border,” Gallant said.

“I met determined and resolute reservists, and commanders who know the missions and want to achieve every achievement on the battlefield. We are defending in the north and attacking with full force in the Gaza Strip. This is our priority.” 

Gallant’s visit and remarks came one day after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah made a speech where he said: “The possibility that the Lebanese front will escalate into a wide war is a realistic possibility.”

Since Oct. 7, Hezbollah has conducted limited rocket launches and anti-tank missile strikes along the northern border. 

On Saturday, the IDF struck several Hezbollah positions in response to rocket launches from Lebanon into Israeli territory. 

Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV reported that Hezbollah fired two Burkan rockets at Israeli positions across the border. Burkan rockets are heavier rockets previously used against Syrian rebels, but had not been used against Israel. 

The IDF did not comment on the rocket launches, except to state that it had responded to launches detected from Lebanon. 

מטוסי קרב של צה״ל תקפו בשעה האחרונה מטרות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בתגובה לירי שבוצע משטח לבנון מוקדם יותר היום, במקביל לתקיפות באמצעות ירי ארטילרי וטנקים.

בין המטרות שהותקפו, תשתיות טרור, מחסני רקטות, ומתחמים המשמשים את הארגון pic.twitter.com/HPDmndrDGS

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) November 4, 2023