IDF: Israel to continue striking Hezbollah until it suffers “devastating blow”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on March 1 that its ongoing campaign in the north aims to strike not only Iran but also Hezbollah, warning of a “devastating blow” to the group.

Speaking to division commanders at a situational assessment at the Northern Command, LTG Eyal Zamir emphasised the IDF’s dual focus, IDF says in a statement. 

“We will end this campaign with not just Iran being struck but with Hezbollah suffering a devastating blow,” he said.

Zamir outlined that the offensive plans for the northern sector have been approved and instructed that both offensive operations and defensive postures be strengthened. 

“Our core effort is focused Iran. We are operating with force and striking the terrorist regime in unprecedented cooperation with the United States military. After Hezbollah opened fire, I instructed that we act with force against Hezbollah as well. The IDF has planned and is prepared to operate in multiple arenas simultaneously,” he added.

“We will continue to insist that Hezbollah be disarmed — this is a demand we will not relinquish. The IDF will not conclude the campaign before the threat from Lebanon is eliminated,” Zamir said.

The IDF also called on the Lebanese government and its armed forces to disarm Hezbollah, noting that previous warnings went unheeded. 

By Sabina Mammadli