IDF reinforces troops in the north as fighting with Hezbollah intensifies
This, one week after the IDF said it had pushed troops deeper into southern Lebanon to establish what it described as an “advanced defense” aimed at improving security for residents of northern Israel
The Israeli military announced Friday a major reinforcement of forces in northern Israel as clashes with Hezbollah continue across the border in Lebanon.
The decision followed a fresh security assessment led by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who ordered a “substantial reinforcement” of troops under the Northern Command to prepare for a range of potential offensive and defensive scenarios.
According to the military, the deployment will include regular army units, including the 98th Division, which will operate with two brigade-level combat teams alongside military engineering battalions. The move is intended to strengthen the IDF’s operational capabilities along the Lebanon border.
At the same time, reservist units from the 252nd Division will be mobilized and deployed to the Gaza Strip to replace regular forces being transferred to the northern front. The military also announced that the service period of several reservist battalions operating under Central Command will be extended.
The announcement comes a week after the IDF said it had pushed troops deeper into southern Lebanon to establish what it described as an “advanced defense” aimed at improving security for residents of northern Israel.
Since the latest escalation began earlier this month following Hezbollah attacks on Israeli territory, the IDF says it has conducted more than 1,100 strikes against targets linked to the Iran-backed group.
According to the military, the strikes targeted around 190 positions belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, roughly 200 rocket and missile launchers, 35 command centers, and about 80 high-rise buildings allegedly used by the group for military purposes.
The Israeli army says more than 380 militants from Hezbollah and other armed groups have been killed since the fighting began.