From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Gallant says IDF has stepped up attacks against Hezbollah after intense fighting in north
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the military has stepped up its attacks against Hezbollah by one level out of ten, warning that “the Air Force planes flying currently in the skies of Lebanon have heavier bombs for more distant targets.”
Speaking during a war simulation carried out by the so-called emergency preparedness committee, Gallant says they are gathered after “an intense day in the north” following a deadly rocket barrage on the IDF Northern Command headquarters.
He says Hezbollah went up half a step, while Israel went up a full one with its response against the terror group, “but it’s one step out of ten.”
“We can attack not only at 20 kilometers [from the border], but also at 50 kilometers, and in Beirut and anywhere else,” Gallant says.
“We do not want to reach this situation, we do not want to enter into a war, but rather are interested in reaching an agreement that will allow the safe return of residents of the north to their homes, under an agreement process,” he says, referring to 80,000 displaced Israelis by Hezbollah’s daily attacks.
“But if there is no choice, we will act to bring [the residents] back and create the appropriate security for them. This should be clear to both our enemies and our friends. And as the State of Israel, the defense establishment, and the IDF have proven in recent months, when we say we mean it,” he adds.
The meeting, attended by several government ministers, defense officials, and other civilian officials, simulated a war scenario in northern Israel with potential damage to power lines, issues with transporting food, and complex medical evacuations, according to the Defense Ministry.
