Israeli Chief of Staff: We Will Not End the Battle Before Eliminating the Threat from Lebanon

SadaNews reported that the Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, said on Monday that the "central effort" of the army is focused on Iran, but he vowed that the battle would end with Hezbollah facing a "very harsh blow," emphasizing that his army "will not end the battle before eliminating the threat from Lebanon." Zamir added in statements made during a situation assessment along the border with Lebanon following Hezbollah's involvement in the war, that "there will no longer be evacuations of towns in Israel." He said, "We will end the battle in such a way that not only Iran will be hit, but Hezbollah will also receive a very harsh blow." He continued, "Our central effort is Iran. We are working vigorously and striking the terror regime, in unprecedented cooperation with the U.S. army." He added: "After Hezbollah opened fire, I directed strong action against it as well. The Israeli army has planned and is prepared to operate in several arenas simultaneously." He stated that "the Lebanese government and army have been warned many times recently about the necessity of disarming Hezbollah – but they have not acted." He added: "Therefore, we will know how to defend ourselves with our own forces." He continued: "We will end the battle by delivering a very harsh blow to Hezbollah," as he put it. Zamir added: "We will continue to insist on disarming Hezbollah – this is a demand we will not concede." He said: "The Israeli army will not end the battle before the threat from Lebanon is removed." He pointed out that "the plans have been ready for a long time, and we will take advantage of the opportunity." He added: "I trust the Northern Command and the commanders of the divisions and brigades – the defense against Lebanon and Syria is strong." He continued addressing the commanders: "All the required force for defense and attack is in your hands. Use the time and the many capabilities you possess: land, fire, air, and naval capabilities, along with many fighters deployed along the border." Zamir stated that "the Israeli army defends on one front and attacks to remove threats. Protecting the population is our top priority; there will be no more evacuations of towns in Israel." He added: "The security of the population is at the top of the priority list." He emphasized that "the Israeli army controls the skies over Lebanon and is present on the front line. Every threat will be monitored and destroyed." He concluded by saying: "Our message is clear and echoes throughout the Middle East: We will strike all arms and leaders of terrorism who try to harm us. We have proven this and will continue to prove it."