IDF Brig.-Gen. reassures northern communities after Lebanese civilians approach Israeli border
Lebanese, allegedly civilians, were seen approaching as close as 80 meters from the border with Israel.
Brigadier General Yuval Gez, commander of the Galilee Division, sent a message to residents of the northern border, heads of local authorities, security coordinators and heads of regional councils on Friday, clarifying that the rules of engagement have not changed.
His message comes as local residents say deterrence has weakened in recent days, after Lebanese, allegedly civilians, were seen approaching as close as 80 meters from the border with Israel.
“Division 91 and the Israeli army as a whole are working day and night to prevent the rehabilitation of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Our soldiers, both regulars and reservists, carry out raids every day, destroy infrastructure and thwart terrorists, and we maintain great operational freedom,” Brigadier General Gez wrote in his letter.
The division commander confirmed an increase in attempts to approach agricultural areas during the olive harvest, stressing that forces are taking action to ward off suspects.
Members of the emergency team from the northern town of Katzrin train with the Israeli army and police during a joint exercise, in Katzrin, Golan Heights, June 11, 2025. (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)
“We will not authorize the activity or rehabilitation of Hezbollah on the front and will continue to act in an offensive and coherent manner,” he said.
“We will continue our ongoing dialogue with you and review each complaint or request, with the aim of ensuring your safety.” Gez wrote. Next week, the division will conduct a large-scale exercise, the largest since the start of the war.
IDF targets Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
On Sunday, the IDF killed a Hezbollah member near the village of Kalbiyya in southern Lebanon who was participating in the rehabilitation of the organization’s military infrastructure.
Additionally, the IDF attacked an engineering vehicle used for the same purpose by the organization near the village of Blida in the southern region.
“The terrorist organization Hezbollah continues its attempts to rehabilitate terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon, while endangering Lebanese civilians and using them as human shields. The terrorist’s actions and attempts to rehabilitate military infrastructure in southern Lebanon constitute a violation of the agreements between Israel and Lebanon,” said a IDF spokesperson.
