Amid the powerful strikes in the north, the senior Air Force official noted that the IDF is changing the operational reality in the region. For decades, Hezbollah has built its capabilities in two branches: one for commando raids and the other concerning its missile arsenal.
Yesterday, the IDF revealed Hezbollah's strategic capabilities, which were found hidden in civilian homes, including thousands of weapons. The terror organization planned to operate within the civilian population, and according to Air Force sources, the strategy is to dismantle these concentrated infrastructures.
The official also emphasized that the IDF was determined to destroy these capabilities while minimizing civilian casualties. The IDF contacted Lebanese citizens directly, advising them to evacuate their homes. Meanwhile, an intelligence system monitored the evacuations, ensuring that strikes were both accurate and substantial.
"We didn't know how it would end; it was just like a script," the Air Force official said, highlighting that this is not just a targeted operation but a complex operational plan that continuously assesses the situation on the ground and adapts to threats. "Our choice," he noted, "is to strike with minimal civilian casualties. If we had attacked indiscriminately, there would have been thousands of casualties."
He further explained that the decision to dismantle the infrastructure within civilian concentrations was made, stressing that the military has the legitimacy to target all these sites. He stated that Hezbollah has endangered the population on two counts: by building its terror capabilities within their homes for years and by ordering civilians not to evacuate when the IDF called for it.
"The operational action is like a film," he said, adding, "We didn't know how it would end; it was just like a script. We didn't compromise on one thing: the weapons were neutralized. It's important to note that this is an air operation combined with various elements. The number of targets and munitions is unprecedented."
However, he acknowledged that Hezbollah still possesses capabilities and resources, which is why there are infrastructures in Israel being targeted. Despite this, the home front is managing exceptionally well.
