IDF Launches Operation to Stop Hezbollah Terror Tunnels Up North

by Avi Abelow
184 views

The IDF has launched Operation “Northern Shield” to expose and thwart cross-border Hezbollah attack tunnels on Israel’s northern border. Iran has been planning a two-front war against Israel.  They plan to use their Hezbollah proxy up North in Lebanon and their Hamas proxy down South in Gaza.

Hezbollah Buildup

Going against the UN and international guarantees, Hezbollah has been building up its military capabilities to attack Israel together with Hamas, in a two-front war. The last Lebanon war ended with a UN resolution forbidding Hezbollah from building up arms in Southern Lebanon. Instead, the international community has been silent as Iran has helped Hezbollah build up an arsenal of over 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.  They are ready for the day to attack.

At the same time, Hezbollah and Hamas have both invested time, technology and money to develop terror attack tunnels.  Their goal is to attack Israel simultaneously from two fronts, the North and the South.

Israel and the IDF have neutralized the Hamas tunnel terror threat from Gaza and now Israel and the IDF are in the process of neutralizing Hezbollah’s tunnel terror threat.

IDF Spokesperson

The IDF Spokesperson informs that tonight, the IDF launched Operation “Northern Shield” to thwart and neutralize cross-border attack tunnels dug by the terror organization Hezbollah from Lebanon into Israel. Since 2014, a special joint task force of the Intelligence Directorate and the Northern Command has led the operational, technological and intelligence efforts on the tunnel issue in the North. The team developed vast abilities and knowledge on Hezbollah’s attack tunnel project.

This IDF operation is led by the Northern Command, in cooperation with the Intelligence Branch, the Combat Engineering Corps and the Administration for the Development of Weapons and Infrastructure. The purpose of this operation is to thwart and neutralize the cross-border attack tunnels within Israeli territory.

Northern Wall

Over the last few years and as a part of the effort against this threat, The IDF has been implementing a unique defensive plan along the northern border.  This includes the construction of a defensive wall, the “Defensive Obstacle Project”, creating cliffs and clearing vegetation. The aim of this defensive plan is to prevent the enemy from fulfilling his offensive plan and abilities. For a number of years, the IDF General Staff has led this effort, which recently reached the necessary operational conditions. The Commander of the Northern Command, Major General Yoel Strick, is the commander of this operation, in which significant forces are participating.

Clear and Present Danger

The digging of the cross-border attack tunnels that the IDF has discovered, before the attack tunnels became operational and posed an imminent threat to the safety of Israeli civilians.  It constitutes a flagrant and severe violation of Israeli sovereignty. In addition, they serve as additional proof of the terror organization Hezbollah’s disregard of UN resolutions – first and foremost UNSCR 1701. These Hezbollah activities are conducted from the villages of southern Lebanon.  They actually harm Lebanon and jeopardize its civilians in order to establish its terror infrastructure.

The Hezbollah terror organization, which is responsible for digging the cross border attack tunnels, continues its activity.  They are supported and funded by Iran, to establish its terror infrastructure against Israeli civilians.

The IDF has enhanced its presence and readiness in the Northern Command and is prepared for various scenarios. A number of areas adjacent to the security fence in the north of Israel have been declared a closed military zone.


Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More