*Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:*
I share in the deep sorrow of the families of the commander of the 52nd Armored Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalya Ben Shimon, and of the three heroic soldiers whose names have not yet been released—may their memory be blessed—and I wish a full recovery to the wounded from yesterday’s exchange of fire.
Following Hezbollah’s heinous attack, which constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with full force.
The IDF attacked more than 80 terrorist targets and eliminated dozens of terrorists. This morning, the IDF attacked Hezbollah headquarters in the Beqaa Valley.
This morning, I held a situation assessment with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff.
My directive is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on our soldiers or our territory, and it will exact a very heavy price from Hezbollah for these assaults.
The IDF will act to thwart any threat to our forces and our territory.
*As I made absolutely clear, including yesterday: Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the northern communities.*