Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has held a situation assessment in the Israeli army’s Northern Command, where he was briefed on operational activities conducted along the border with Lebanon.

“We will not allow a return to the previous situation we were in until October 6th. We are hitting Hezbollah very hard – they have lost around 150 [operatives], they have infrastructure that has been damaged, they have been pushed far in from the fence line, and the Air Force flies freely over Lebanon,” Gallant told those present.

“Hezbollah looks at what is happening in Gaza and it understands very well: what we did in Gaza can also be done in Beirut,” Gallant added.

He also said Israel does not want this to happen. However, Israel, he said, will do what is necessary so the thousands of Israelis evacuated from near the border with Lebanon will be able to return to their residences.