JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir met Thursday with heads of northern local authorities and senior military officials at the Northern Command for a joint situation assessment, emphasizing ongoing operations to protect border communities and weaken Hezbollah.

Zamir expressed appreciation for IDF troops and Northern Command commanders for their achievements in the current operation. He highlighted the military’s objectives of safeguarding northern Israeli communities, establishing a new security reality along the border, and inflicting further damage on Hezbollah.

The chief of staff also thanked local authority leaders for their partnership and leadership during the operation, pledging continued close cooperation between the IDF and civilian officials.

“We chose to hold a joint situation assessment to deepen the dialogue and strengthen the partnership,” Zamir said. “We have a shared goal — protecting the residents of the north and restoring lasting peace and security. We are working together, shoulder to shoulder, toward that goal.”

Zamir noted that the IDF is maintaining readiness across multiple fronts while focusing primarily on the northern border, where the majority of troops and capabilities are deployed. He said forces continue ground operations and firepower missions to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

“Just this week, IDF troops operated in the Beaufort Ridge area, dismantling significant and critical Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure that had been built over many years, while advancing defensive operations,” he said.

The chief of staff stated that Israel has significantly weakened Iran and its proxies, particularly Hezbollah, which he described as a central pillar of Iranian influence.

“We have created a new security reality. We are standing between the communities and the threats they face, removing those threats,” Zamir said.

He referenced Operation Roaring Lion, saying the IDF acted swiftly against Hezbollah infiltration attempts and anti-tank threats. “This is our policy — there is no containment. We act with initiative and defensive action against every emerging threat,” he added.

Zamir acknowledged the difficulties faced by northern residents and the personal price they are paying, calling for continued leadership and perseverance.

“We are engaged in a prolonged operation, we have achieved significant accomplishments, and we hold the upper hand,” he said. “Our mission is your security and your protection — restoring lasting peace and security. Together, we are committed to creating a better security reality here for the long term.”