In a pivotal meeting, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed the U.S. Secretary of Defense on the ongoing military operations in Lebanon, detailing the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) precision strikes and targeted raids against Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Minister Gallant highlighted the significant progress made in recent days, as Israeli troops successfully neutralized key Hezbollah installations in the southern border area. Among the most critical achievements, the IDF dismantled the tunnel networks and command and control centers operated by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces. These structures, Gallant emphasized, were being used as launchpads for potential attacks on Israel’s northern communities, mirroring the deadly October 7 assault on Israel’s southern border. The minister stressed that such threats to Israel’s security would not be tolerated.
Gallant outlined the tactical objectives of the ongoing operations, specifically focusing on the recent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah weapon facilities and intelligence assets in Beirut. These precision strikes, aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s ability to launch missile barrages at Israeli population centers, are part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken the organization’s attack capabilities. Minister Gallant assured the Secretary that these operations are being carried out with the utmost precision to mitigate harm to Lebanese civilians and to protect UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) personnel operating in the region.
Beyond Lebanon, the discussions between the two defense leaders covered broader regional concerns, particularly the growing threat posed by Iran and its network of proxies across the Middle East. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong defensive cooperation between Israel and the U.S. to counter threats originating from Iran’s influence in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Another crucial element of the meeting was the ongoing operations in Gaza, following the IDF’s successful elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Minister Gallant underscored the continued efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and secure the release of 101 Israeli hostages still held by the organization. The Minister reiterated Israel’s unwavering resolve in its fight against terrorism, vowing to continue military operations until Hamas’ operational infrastructure is fully neutralized, and all hostages are safely returned to their families.
This high-level dialogue underscores the deepening military and strategic collaboration between Israel and the United States as they navigate the complex security landscape of the Middle East, aiming to thwart threats to both nations posed by militant groups and state-sponsored terrorism.–News Desk