Following the rising tensions on the border between Israel and Hezbollah and the ongoing provocations, President Yitzhak Herzog toured the northern border today (Wednesday) and stated: "Let no one be confused, including Hezbollah across the border here. We will be careful to maintain our sovereignty and the peace of our citizens."
"I am patrolling the Lebanese border today. In the entire north of the country, the people of Israel are at their best, they are doing, building, putting down roots, developing, raising and dealing with all the country's problems," said the president of the country. "I look across the border - I see Lebanon collapsing, and I think we are all reaching out to Lebanon, telling the Lebanese citizens: You don't deserve this, you don't deserve Iran and Hezbollah to destroy and dismantle you, we extend our hand for peace."
"But let it be clear - so no one gets confused, certainly not Hezbollah, which is across the border here, make no mistake and don't be confused, the IDF is very strong! We are prepared and ready for any scenario. Moreover - we will be careful to maintain our sovereignty and the peace of our citizens. Their safety is above all for us" .
Twice in two weeks: the Chief of Staff tours the border
Earlier today (Wednesday), Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi toured the length of the northern border, for the second time in two weeks. Halevi toured the "Galile" formation (91) together with the commander of the Northern Command, Major General Uri Gordin and the commander of the "Galilee" formation, Lt. Col. Shay Klapper.
In the IDF spokesperson's statement, it was said: "As part of the visit, the Chief of Staff (Halevi) toured the obstacle that has been constructed along the border in recent days, and its construction has advanced tens of kilometers in recent months. The commanders presented the Chief of Staff with the defense perception in the area and the reinforcement of security for the residents of the north. Additionally, a situation assessment was conducted during which the commanders reviewed recent events and presented a variety of measures employed by the division to disrupt and thwart attempts to violate sovereignty in the border area."
The visits also come against the backdrop of a document exposed in 'Srugim,' written by a soldier who recently completed his reserve service on the northern border. The document points to a chain of deficiencies and flaws in the positions adjacent to the fence, and its conclusion is that they are vulnerable to an attack by Hezbollah, as the positions are not prepared for combat at a level that matches the threat.