(Jerusalem Post) Shaked Sadeh - A surprise attack was planned on Israel's northern border in the days following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, a senior IDF official revealed in a Wednesday Maariv interview. The official emphasized that such an attack is unlikely to occur at this stage due to the IDF's efforts in neutralizing terror tunnels, clearing dense brushlands, and dismantling nature reserves that had been converted into terror strongholds. He said that 3,000 terrorists were stationed across southern Lebanon within 3 km. of the Israeli border, ready to invade upon receiving orders. "Opposite every Israeli community, a Hizbullah company was waiting to infiltrate. On October 6, Israel faced an existential threat without realizing it. The terrorists [in the north] were on full alert, ready to act." What prevented a coordinated invasion was the IDF's rapid deployment of four brigades to Israel's northern border on Oct. 7. "The IDF's deployment neutralized the surprise element in Hizbullah's plan, and the terrorists realized their plan was no longer feasible since surprise was central to their strategy, just as it was in Gaza." He noted that areas of thick vegetation provided terrorists with almost complete cover, hiding firing positions, observation posts, movements, weapons, and underground infrastructure. "These areas have been turned into open fields, so any future attempts by Hizbullah to re-establish themselves will be immediately and effectively monitored." The IDF reportedly held a firm stance that homes in southern Lebanese villages, from the border up to three km. into Lebanon, would not be allowed to be rebuilt. "We will not rely on Hizbullah respecting agreements or solely on intelligence warnings. The security of northern residents is based on the presence of IDF soldiers on the ground."
2024-12-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive