Zamir: Hezbollah is Fighting for Survival and Striking Iran Weakens It

SadaNews - The Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, claimed that the American and Israeli strikes targeting Iran are reflected in Hezbollah's capabilities in Lebanon, asserting that weakening the "Iranian regime" undermines what he termed the "radical axis" in the region. Zamir made these remarks during a visit to the Northern Command alongside the commander of the region and several officers, where he assessed the field situation and reviewed operational plans on the northern front, announcing the start of a ground incursion into Lebanon. According to a statement from the Israeli army, Zamir stated, "Iran is the main front, and weakening the regime and its capabilities will weaken the entire radical axis, including Hezbollah," adding that the confrontation with the party represents an "additional central front." He claimed that "every strike targeting Iran's military enhancement capabilities and the Revolutionary Guard also affects Hezbollah's arming and funding capabilities," adding that what he described as the "impact of weakening the Iranian regime" has also become noticeable in the ongoing battles with the party. In a related context, Zamir announced that the Israeli army "began, over the past two weeks, a specific ground operation in southern Lebanon," claiming that its aim is to "deter the threat from the borders and ensure long-term security for the northern residents." He also asserted that the Northern Command is conducting a "decisive battle against Hezbollah," claiming that military operations have so far resulted in the death of more than 400 of the party's fighters, including leaders within the organization. Zamir added that the Israeli army is "determined to expand operations until all its objectives are achieved," noting that the forces are simultaneously working to enhance defense systems and bolster the northern front with additional troops. He claimed that Hezbollah is "currently fighting a war for its survival" and that it is "paying a heavy price for entering the battle," adding that military pressure on it "will continue and increase in the coming phase." He concluded by stating that the Israeli forces operating in the north "have been working vigorously and resolutely over the past week," considering that the next phase focuses on "removing threats and enhancing the protection of towns in the north and continuing to intensify strikes against Hezbollah," in his words.