Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated on Sunday that the army is increasing its readiness "for the next phase of fighting in the north," following Hezbollah's attack on Majdal Shams on Saturday. He added, "We know exactly where the rocket was launched from. We examined the remnants of the rocket here on the wall of the football field; it is a (Fajr 1) missile with a warhead weighing 53 kilograms. This is a Hezbollah missile." He continued, "Anyone who launches such a missile at an urban area wants to kill civilians, wants to kill children. We are greatly increasing our readiness for the next phase of fighting in the north, while also fighting in Gaza at the same time. We know how to attack even far from the State of Israel; there will be more challenges, and we will raise our preparedness."
Halevi added, "When necessary, we will act with strength. Our duty is to bring the residents of the north safely back to their homes, throughout the north, including the Galilee and the Golan Heights. It is a difficult day, and we will work towards better days."
The attack on Majdal Shams, which left at least 12 dead, has raised regional and international concerns that it may mark the beginning of a wider war between Israel and Hezbollah, something that mediators have long sought to prevent out of fear that an escalation could lead to consequences beyond imagination, according to warnings from UN officials.
In recent weeks, exchanges of fire along the Israeli-Lebanese border have intensified, with Israel conducting airstrikes met with missile and drone attacks by Hezbollah targeting areas deeper and farther from the border.
