Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced the start of a “new phase” of military operations focusing on Hezbollah militants in northern Lebanon, The Guardian and Associated Press report.
Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Gallant did not mention the series of device explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he praised the work of Israeli security forces, stating that the “results have been very impressive,” according to Associated Press.
“The center of gravity is shifting to the north. We are reallocating our forces, resources, and focus in that direction,” Gallant said. “We are at the beginning of a new phase of this war, and we must adapt. This war will require long-term consistency, great courage, determination, and perseverance,” he added.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi confirmed that Israel is prepared for further action against Hezbollah. He indicated that the army has a detailed plan for the next steps and is ready to strike again.
“We have many capabilities that we have not yet activated,” Halevi said after approving new operational plans for Israel’s Northern Command on Wednesday. “Each stage must inflict significant losses on Hezbollah.”
As previously reported by CNN, Israeli officials informed the U.S. about the operation in Lebanon but did not provide specific details regarding the plan. The explosions of Hezbollah’s communication devices on Tuesday took many U.S. officials by surprise, as they were unaware of the specifics of the operation until it began.
Gallant’s comments on Wednesday were the first official acknowledgment that Israel was behind the attacks targeting Hezbollah’s communication systems.
The explosions of Hezbollah radio stations across the country on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of nine people. Israel had not commented on the events until Wednesday, when it confirmed its involvement.
