On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base along the northern border, where he conducted a critical security assessment with senior military commanders overseeing the operations in Lebanon. During the visit, Netanyahu was briefed by Head of Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin and 36th Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Moran Omer on the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure and the operational achievements that have been made over the past year of intense combat.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the IDF base came at a pivotal moment, as Israeli forces have been engaged in a year-long military campaign against Hezbollah. Netanyahu was informed about the destruction of Hezbollah’s capabilities, which has been achieved through coordinated ground operations and the use of heavy firepower. Maj.-Gen. Gordin outlined the strategic successes of the operation, emphasizing how the IDF’s ground effort has systematically degraded Hezbollah’s ability to strike Israel, especially in the northern communities.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also took the opportunity to meet with the commanders of the 36th Division, who have been at the forefront of this prolonged conflict, defending Israel on multiple fronts. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges they have faced during the year-long combat, which has seen Israeli forces simultaneously contending with threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as from Gaza and the West Bank.
During his visit, Netanyahu addressed the soldiers directly, praising their bravery and determination in the face of such relentless warfare. Speaking just meters away from the border, where their fellow IDF soldiers continue to destroy Hezbollah’s fortified positions, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the troops. In remarks translated from Hebrew, Netanyahu declared, “You are heroes worthy of commendation. You – together with your fellow soldiers, IDF fighters, and the security forces in Gaza, Judea, Samaria, and throughout the region – are doing amazing things; you are lions.”
The Prime Minister reflected on the events of a year ago, when Israel faced a devastating blow from its enemies. In the 12 months since that fateful attack, Israel has launched a comprehensive counter-offensive, altering the security dynamics in the region. Netanyahu stressed that the world has been watching in astonishment as Israel delivers powerful blows to its enemies. “The entire world is astonished by the blows you are landing on our enemies,” he told the soldiers. He concluded by hailing the soldiers as the “generation of victory” and reaffirmed his confidence that with their courage, Israel would emerge victorious. “Together we will fight and together we will win – with G-d’s help,” he said.
Netanyahu’s visit to the northern border highlighted Israel’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist threats along its borders. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including his Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman, his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, and his spokesperson, Dr. Omer Dostri.
As the campaign against Hezbollah and other militant organizations continues, Netanyahu’s remarks served to reinforce the morale of the soldiers and the broader Israeli public. The ongoing conflict has tested the resilience of the IDF, but the Prime Minister’s visit reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the military and its mission to secure Israel’s borders and protect its people.
The destruction of Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure remains a top priority for the Israeli government, as the military works to neutralize the threat posed by the Iranian-backed group. While the road to peace and security remains challenging, Netanyahu’s message was clear: Israel will not rest until the threat from Hezbollah and other enemies is decisively defeated, and the safety of the nation is secured.–News Desk