Israel on high alert for Hezbollah retaliation as DM Gallant declares ‘new phase in the war’

Fire exchanges with Hezbollah continue, 8 wounded by anti-tank missile

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After thousands of Hezbollah operatives were wounded by two waves of mysterious explosions across Lebanon, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the “center of gravity” of Israel’s forces was moving toward the northern border.

“I believe that we are at the start of a new phase in the war,” Gallant declared Wednesday during a visit at Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel.

“The ‘center of gravity’ is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources, and energy for the northern arena. We have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our missions in the south – we are committed to our duties, and we are carrying them out simultaneously.”

Gallant’s comments came amid media reports that Israel was raising the alert level across the IDF and reinforcing the troops on the border. While the immediate goal of these moves is to prepare for a Hezbollah attack, this may also pave the way for an eventual ground offensive into Lebanon.

Army Radio reported that the IDF’s elite 98th Commando Division, which was fighting in southern Gaza, was ordered to join the 36th Division on the northern front on Wednesday.

This means that the bulk of the IDF’s regular troops will be stationed in the north, while the only regular unit left in Gaza will be the 162nd Division.

On Thursday morning, Army Radio reported that the IDF has deployed Home Front Command search and rescue units – both regular and reserve units – to locations across the country to prepare for potential massive rocket fire from Hezbollah forces

In addition, Home Front Command squads, which had been operating in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) will be transferred to the northern front. The IDF has canceled recruitment procedures in northern Israel on Thursday.

“The political echelon is now required to decide on the continuation of the operation and steps against Hezbollah, the coming days will be critical days for decision-making,” security sources told Army Radio.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi on Wednesday approved attack and defense plans for the northern front, while reiterating the army’s determination to remove the threat posed by Hezbollah and enable the evacuated residents to return home.

“We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, we have not yet carried out, we have seen some of the things here,” Halevi said.

Gallant emphasized that all of Israel’s security organizations are working together to combat Hezbollah and stressed: “Our task is clear – ensuring the safe return of Israel’s northern residents to their homes.”

This was also underlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who released a terse statement on Wednesday evening, which read: “We will return the residents of the north securely to their homes.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, waves of explosions of Hezbollah communication devices killed some 25 people and wounded thousands. While Israeli officials have not yet commented on the incidents, Gallant was the first official to hint at an Israeli involvement in his statement.

“If we look at the current picture – the IDF has made excellent achievements, together with the ISA and the Mossad – the results of their work are impressive,” Gallant stated shortly after the second wave of radio explosions rocked Lebanon.

Over the past 48 hours, the number of Hezbollah attacks has decreased slightly, as the terror group has been thrown into chaos by the waves of explosions.

However, Hezbollah forces continued to launch several attacks, including launching an anti-tank missile that wounded eight Israelis near Margaliot on Thursday morning.

The wounded were rushed to hospitals, with two of them being in serious condition while the others sustained lighter wounds.

The IDF, for its part, continued carrying out waves of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon.