Yiftah Brigade Commander Zaafrani Details Bint Jbeil Fight, Warns of Reserve Strain

Lt. Col. Itay Zaafrani, 38, commander of the 679th Yiftah Reserve Armored Brigade, said in a Sunday-morning interview that two months into full responsibility for Bint Jbeil the brigade's daily sweeps have destroyed weapons stockpiles and located hidden Hezbollah operatives across the densely built town. Zaafrani recounted a Radwan Force fighter surrendering with the plea 'Don't shoot, I want to live' after weeks underground. The Ashdod father of two asked to extend his command a third year and told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that reservists have carried more than 500 mobilization days over three years, calling them the insurance policy of the IDF that must be rebuilt with larger standing forces. He argued the security zone is the only credible guarantee Galilee communities can return home safely.