IDF Chief Says Israel Will Hold Captured Lebanon Areas Until Security Is Ensured

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said during a visit to southern Lebanon that troops would not withdraw from captured areas until long-term security was guaranteed. He said the areas had been used by Hezbollah to prepare, threaten and act against northern Israeli communities, and that the IDF was clearing terrorist infrastructure there. Zamir said forces would deepen operations and reach additional areas if required, while maintaining forward defensive zones wherever direct threats face Israeli communities. He also told commanders to remain ready for rapid offensive action because the campaigns on every front were not over.