The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated yesterday that its operations since a November ceasefire have significantly degraded Hezbollah's capabilities, potentially leading to the group's complete disarmament. The IDF claims to have eliminated or severely wounded between 4,000 and 5,000 Hezbollah operatives, with an additional 9,000 wounded and unable to fight, according to IDF assessments. The elite Radwan force has also reportedly suffered heavy losses, with over half of its 6,000 operatives eliminated or badly wounded. Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, chief of the Northern Command, described the security situation on the northern border yesterday as "very good," stating that "threats are very far away, and there are no immediate threats to the border area, the communities, or the residents." This assessment comes as the IDF maintains a presence at five strategic points in Lebanon and conducts near-daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure it claims are violating the truce conditions. According to the IDF, 70-80% of Hezbollah's rocket fire capabilities have been destroyed. The group is estimated to possess several thousand rockets, with only several hundred being long-range projectiles. Since the ceasefire began, the IDF reports carrying out over 500 airstrikes, killing at least 230 operatives and destroying over 90 rocket launchers, thousands of rockets, 20 command centers, 40 weapon depots, and five arms production sites. Hundreds of ground operations have also been conducted in southern Lebanon, particularly near the five IDF posts. The IDF estimates that 25-30% of its achievements against Hezbollah have occurred since the ceasefire, specifically targeting the group's efforts to regroup and rearm. These actions are occurring amid growing calls within Lebanon for Hezbollah to surrender its weapons.
