Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu visited the northern front on Friday, where he met with senior military leaders and troops operating against Hezbollah, praising the IDF’s progress and declaring that Israeli forces are inflicting significant damage on the terror organization throughout Lebanon.

Joining Netanyahu during the visit were Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai. The delegation toured positions of the IDF’s 36th Division near the northern border and received operational briefings from Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division commander Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin.

The Israeli leaders were updated on ongoing military activity in Lebanon and held discussions with brigade commanders currently overseeing combat operations in the field.

Addressing troops and commanders, Netanyahu emphasized the determination he witnessed among those serving on the front lines.

“I came here today with the Minister of Defense, with the Deputy Chief of Staff, with the Commander of the Northern Command, with the Division Commander, with the commanders you see here, and with the soldiers in the field. I spoke with the brigade commanders who are currently in the field,” Netanyahu said. “I hear them, and I also hear the soldiers, some of whom are standing here behind me; there is an immense fighting spirit. From here, the battle against Hezbollah in the north is being managed.”

The prime minister pointed to what he described as substantial military achievements, saying Israeli forces have expanded their operational reach and established control over strategic areas.

“And I must tell you that there are very impressive results here. Our forces have crossed the Litani; they have advanced to controlling positions. We are operating in Beirut, in the Beqaa, across the entire width of the front, and we are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow,” the Prime Minister said.

Netanyahu rejected any suggestion that the assessment was exaggerated, saying battlefield reports from both commanders and soldiers reflected the same reality.

“When I say this, it is no empty statement. The brigade commanders tell me, as do the soldiers, that in every contact with them, in every encounter, we are both eliminating Hezbollah and causing them to flee,” Netanyahu continued.

He attributed the military’s successes to the determination and morale of the troops engaged in combat operations and praised both the soldiers and their leadership.

“And it is this spirit that brings us these achievements. I salute you. You are lions. You have commanders who are lions, and you are proving the strength of the spirit of the Israel Defense Forces. Keep going, with great success, until the very end,” he concluded.

The visit comes as Israeli forces continue operations against Hezbollah positions throughout Lebanon, with military officials maintaining pressure on the terror group across multiple sectors of the northern front.

{Matzav.com}