Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed Hezbollah today, Friday, stating: "If Hezbollah believes that a ceasefire in the south means a ceasefire against them, they are gravely mistaken as long as we have not reached a situation that ensures the safe return of the residents of the north." He clarified in a video clip shared during his visit to Israeli forces on the northern border that any belief in a ceasefire in the north is "incorrect."
He added, "If Hezbollah thinks that when there is a ceasefire in the south, it will stop in the north, they are making a big mistake." He emphasized, "As long as we have not reached a situation that allows the safe return of the residents of the north, we will not stop. When we reach that, whether through peace or military means, then we will be able to cease fire."
Gallant mentioned that his forces "will begin operations very soon" along the border with Lebanon, where tensions with Hezbollah are escalating. According to the "Times of Israel," Gallant told his soldiers near the border with the Gaza Strip that additional soldiers are being deployed in northern Israel. He stated, "They will start working very, very soon... so the forces present in the north are being reinforced. The forces close to you will leave the field and move north to prepare for what’s to come." He also noted that reserve forces would be gradually released "to prepare and return ready" for upcoming operations.
