Some of the thousands of armaments found by IDF in Hezbollah tunnels (IDF video)

Incursion Into Lebanon Sees Minimal Resistance, Nets Tons of Weapons

Details
The Judean Staff
National

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a decisive invasion into southern Lebanon on Monday night, just before 10:00 p.m., meeting almost no resistance from Hezbollah. Remarkably, not a single IDF soldier has been killed thus far, in what is shaping up to be one of the most successful and low-casualty military operations in recent history.

A Swift and Decisive Operation

Though IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari suggested the campaign might extend beyond initial expectations, the invasion is projected to be completed within weeks. The operation is being seen as an expansion of numerous small-scale, covert nightly missions that have been taking place for months—missions which have severely weakened Hezbollah’s presence and capabilities in the region.

In a show of strategic foresight and military might, the IDF announced the mobilization of an additional four brigades to support the Lebanon front. This move signals Israel’s commitment to a comprehensive eradication of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, ensuring the long-term security of Israel’s northern border.

Hezbollah’s Collapse: A Tactical Victory for Israel

Hezbollah’s forces, which once posed a formidable threat to Israel, have been decimated by a combination of relentless aerial bombardments, precision artillery strikes, and strategic IDF incursions. Sources within the IDF explain that months of targeted strikes have either forced Hezbollah fighters to flee or go into deep hiding, significantly diminishing their operational capability in southern Lebanon.

Unlike the 2006 Second Lebanon War, this operation has effectively wiped out much of Hezbollah’s top and mid-level command structure. This has left the terror organization in disarray, creating a vacuum in leadership and leaving Hezbollah's remaining fighters leaderless and demoralized. The contrast to 2006 could not be more stark—this time, Israel’s military strategy has succeeded in neutralizing Hezbollah's core strength.

The Death of Hassan Nasrallah and the Destruction of Hezbollah's Rocket Arsenal

In what may be a turning point for the region, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah has reportedly been killed, and the group's arsenal of advanced rockets has been largely obliterated by two weeks of relentless bombing. Despite Hezbollah’s bold claims of being capable of launching up to 8,000 rockets per day, they have yet to pose any significant threat to Israeli security during this invasion. This is a testament to the effectiveness of Israel’s preemptive strikes and superior military intelligence.

Narrow, Targeted Invasion Focused on Hezbollah's Infrastructure

The IDF’s current mission remains focused on a narrow yet highly strategic goal: dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. This includes the destruction of weapons caches, missile launch sites, and command centers that had been positioned to facilitate a potential invasion of northern Israel. The timing of the invasion coincides with Israel's broader war mission in the North, aimed at securing the safe return of 60,000 residents who were evacuated from their homes in October 2023 due to fears of a Hezbollah invasion.

A Campaign of Attrition: 700 Terror Targets Destroyed

Even before the full-scale invasion, the IDF had been conducting around 70 small but highly effective incursions into southern Lebanon over the past 200 nights. These operations, which sometimes lasted several days, have been devastatingly successful. To date, the IDF has destroyed more than 700 Hezbollah terror targets, including weapons depots, tunnel networks, and strategic lookout posts.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on a recent tour of captured Hezbollah weaponry, proclaimed, “We are eliminating Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.” Gallant further emphasized that the IDF’s operations are dismantling the notorious Radwan Force—the elite Hezbollah unit trained to infiltrate and attack Israel’s northern communities. “What you see here—missiles, RPGs, explosives—these were meant to kill Israeli civilians. But we are cutting off Hezbollah’s arm and returning security to our people.”

Destruction of Hezbollah's Arsenal: The Numbers Speak for Themselves

The IDF’s ongoing invasion has already seen the destruction of 450 anti-tank missiles, 150 mines, 50 improvised explosive devices, and 22 Kornet anti-tank missiles, including some supplied by Iran. This arsenal, once primed to target Israeli civilians and soldiers alike, is now being systematically neutralized by IDF forces.

In the town of Aita al-Shaab alone, IDF units destroyed 103 terror targets, including 51 tunnel shafts and nine rocket launchers. The tunnel networks there, which ran as deep as 25 meters, have been obliterated. Similarly, in Meis el-Jabal, 91 targets have been destroyed, including 13 Hezbollah lookout posts. The tunnels in this area, located only 30 meters from the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, ran 12 meters deep and were vital for Hezbollah’s planned infiltration efforts.

In Kfar Kila, the destruction has been equally dramatic. The IDF eliminated 158 Hezbollah targets, including 28 lookout posts and numerous weapons caches.

Changing the Security Dynamic in Northern Israel

As the invasion continues, it is becoming increasingly clear that Israel is not just defending its borders but fundamentally reshaping the security dynamics in northern Israel. Defense Minister Gallant's words resonate deeply: “We are changing the security situation, from start to finish.”

The IDF’s operation in southern Lebanon is a striking example of military precision, intelligence, and preparedness. With Hezbollah’s leadership incapacitated and its military infrastructure in ruins, Israel is once again demonstrating its unshakable resolve to protect its citizens and maintain stability in a region fraught with threats.

Conclusion

The ongoing invasion of southern Lebanon is proving to be a monumental success for the IDF. As Hezbollah crumbles under the weight of Israel's relentless military campaign, the terror group’s once-vaunted capabilities are being systematically dismantled. With minimal resistance and a strategic vacuum left in Hezbollah’s command structure, Israel is not only securing its northern border but also sending a clear message: threats to Israeli sovereignty will be met with overwhelming and decisive force.

The coming weeks will likely see the final dismantling of Hezbollah's southern stronghold, paving the way for a new era of security for Israel’s northern residents. The IDF’s superior strategy, intelligence, and execution are changing the course of history in southern Lebanon.

Sign Up For The Judean Newsletter

 I agree with the Terms and conditions and the Privacy policy

About Us

The Judean is a weekly digital blog highlighting Israel's vibrant Democracy, rich culture, and complex history. Through compelling op-eds, and featured articles, The Judean brings the real Israel into focus. 'From The River To The Sea' Israel is truly free.
Modi'in, Israel 71702
+975-50-226-6956
info@thejudean.com