Limited, Localized and Targeted Raids in Southern Lebanon

IDF troops have begun limited, localized and targeted raids against Hezbollah terror targets in the border area of southern Lebanon

As I write to you, I'm on the road, having just experienced another barrage of projectiles over central Israel on my way up north to brief journalists about the evolving situation up north. The sirens are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges we face and why these activities are so crucial. Let me share with you the latest updates and my personal insights on the situation.

The Northern Background

On October 8th, Hezbollah chose to support Hamas’ brutal attacks by waging a relentless campaign against Israel’s northern communities. 

This started on October 8th and Hezbollah has escalated its attacks every day since. In just under a year, Hezbollah has fired more than 10,000 rockets, missiles, and UAVs into Israel, killing dozens of civilians - including the 12 children tragically killed in Majdal Shams and dozens of soldiers. 

As a result, 60,000 Israelis have been forced to evacuate their homes—a reality no nation would tolerate.

Over the years, Hezbollah has turned southern Lebanon into its military stronghold, positioning itself dangerously close to Israel’s northern border. 

In these areas, they have stored advanced weapons, including surface-to-surface missiles, dug underground tunnels, and laid the groundwork for their October 7th style invasion plan known as "Conquer the Galilee”. This is not a hypothetical threat—it’s a strategy Hezbollah’s senior leadership actively discussed just two weeks ago in Beirut.

Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, embedded in civilian villages, violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for an area free of armed groups south of the Litani River. Hezbollah has crossed the line—literally and figuratively—by turning Lebanese villages into military bases and launchpads for attacks which pose an imminent threat to Israel's northern border and civilians. It also poses a direct threat to the Lebanese civilians living there.

“the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL as authorized in paragraph 11, deployed in this area“

Source: UN

In response to these aggressions, earlier today, the IDF launched limited, localized, and targeted raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure located in villages in southern Lebanon. These areas have long been used by Hezbollah to prepare for hostile actions against Israel, and our objective is clear: remove the immediate threats to civilian communities in northern Israel. 

They deserve it.

Operation “Northern Arrows”

As I told reporters earlier today, these operations as part of Operation “Northern Arrows” are carefully coordinated and supported by the Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery, where precise strikes are being conducted on Hezbollah military targets in the area. This multi-layered approach ensures that we are striking at the heart of the threat, while minimizing risks to civilians. 

Our war is not with the people of Lebanon.

The IDF has issued warnings to civilians in southern Lebanon, urging them to move away from areas where Hezbollah has embedded its forces and infrastructure. These warnings are part of our ongoing effort to prevent civilian casualties, while targeting the terrorist infrastructure that threatens Israel’s security.

Of course, I call it terrorist infrastructure but the reality is that these weapons are those that would typically be associated with full-fledged militaries, like these:

This operation is being conducted according to a methodical plan developed by the General Staff and Northern Command in which our forces have undergone extensive training and preparation. Every step we take is part of a larger effort to protect Israel’s security, while also aligning with decisions made by the political echelon.

As we confront threats on multiple fronts, the IDF remains fully committed to achieving the goals of this war, defending Israel and ensuring the safe return of our citizens. Operation “Northern Arrows” is a critical part of this mission, and we will continue to act decisively to safeguard our nation.

What’s Next ? 

We’ll protect our people. 

But more practically, I’ll be sharing more information shortly to show exactly what we’re up against. Watch this space.