IDF troops walk over a bridge by the Litani river (Source: IDF Spokesperson)

In Major Blow to Hezbollah, IDF Advances to Litani River

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The Judean Staff
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In an unprecedented military campaign, the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) elite 91st Division has achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the Litani River in southern Lebanon's eastern sector. This marks the first time since Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 that IDF forces have reached this critical point. Simultaneously, troops have also targeted and secured the Wadi Saluki area, a notorious hub for Hezbollah activity. The operation has unveiled a staggering cache of weapons and dismantled extensive terror infrastructure, underlining the depth of Hezbollah’s entrenchment in the region.

A Tactical Breakthrough: Reaching the Litani

The Litani River, approximately four kilometers from Metula in northern Israel, has long been a strategic stronghold for Hezbollah. Reaching this area signifies a monumental shift in Israel’s defensive and offensive strategy, placing Hezbollah on the back foot.

The IDF deployed an array of elite units for this mission, including the Alexandroni Brigade, the 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade, Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, and the Israeli Air Force’s Shaldag Unit. Together, these forces carried out pinpoint raids on Hezbollah sites, engaging in fierce battles with militants who attempted to resist. The results were resounding: dozens of rocket launchers were destroyed, hundreds of rockets neutralized, and stockpiles of weapons obliterated.

Crippling Hezbollah’s Capabilities in Wadi Saluki

Meanwhile, the IDF’s Commando Brigade Combat Team spearheaded an intense operation in the Wadi Saluki area, a key staging ground for Hezbollah’s rocket launches into Israel. This mountainous and forested terrain was meticulously combed for terrorist infrastructure. The effort yielded a haul of hundreds of weapons, operational underground bunkers, and dozens of ready-to-fire rocket launchers. The destruction of these assets deals a significant blow to Hezbollah’s operational capabilities.

Clearing Southern Lebanon of Terrorist Infrastructure

The broader mission undertaken by the IDF’s 91st Division has been to systematically dismantle Hezbollah’s entrenched network in southern Lebanon. This involves operations across a diverse and challenging terrain—mountainous, forested, and urban zones—all of which Hezbollah has used to conduct terror attacks and hide its weaponry. The military’s sweeps have uncovered a staggering number of weapons caches and strategically placed rocket launchers, underscoring the extent of the terror group’s preparations for conflict.

Leadership on the Ground

Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, chief of the IDF Northern Command, made a high-profile visit to the Litani River during these operations. His presence emphasized the strategic importance of the campaign and underscored the IDF’s determination to root out Hezbollah’s presence from southern Lebanon.

Proposed Ceasefire and Strategic Implications

As these operations reach a fever pitch, Israel is on the verge of agreeing to a proposed truce deal to end hostilities on the northern front. The agreement, which calls for an initial two-month ceasefire, includes critical stipulations: Israel would withdraw forces from Lebanon, and Hezbollah would be required to cease its armed presence south of the Litani River.

While the truce may offer a temporary respite, questions remain about Hezbollah’s compliance and the long-term security implications for northern Israel. However, the IDF’s current operations have sent a clear message: Israel will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or its citizens. The destruction of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River is not only a tactical victory but a strategic warning.

A Defining Moment in Israel’s Security History

The IDF’s advance to the Litani River and its sweeping operations in Wadi Saluki represent a defining moment in the ongoing battle against Hezbollah. This historic campaign has not only pushed back a dangerous adversary but also redefined the boundaries of Israel’s operational reach. The military’s success in uncovering and neutralizing such a vast network of terror infrastructure is a testament to its precision, preparedness, and resolve.

As the dust settles and negotiations for a truce proceed, one thing is certain: Israel has taken a significant step toward securing its northern borders and delivering a crushing blow to Hezbollah’s ambitions.

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