IDF chief: If needed, we will defeat Hezbollah in next confrontation

JERUSALEM POST –  The IDF will definitely defeat Hezbollah in the event of a future war in Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, vowed on Sunday ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War. Eisenkot made the remarks in a written statement that was published by the official website of the IDF Spokesperson ahead of the war’s anniversary this Tuesday.

The website released testimonies by commanders who took part in the war, images, maps, and a virtual tour of the battle zones.

Today, Eisenkot said, “Our enemies to the north examine us all of the time. I am sure that in the moment of truth, we will stand firm and prove that the IDF is a ready, powerful, and decisive military,” he added.

Eisenkot, who was head of the military’s Operations Branch in 2006, wrote that during the conflict, the IDF dealt a severe blow to Hezbollah, consolidated Israeli deterrence, and enforced a lengthy period of stable calm on the Lebanese border, which “serves civilians on both sides of the border.”

He acknowledged, however, the many faults that came to light during the conflict in the military’s performance. In the years that followed the war, “an in-depth lesson learning process” occurred, which led to a “significant improvement in the IDF’s ability,” Eisenkot wrote.

Today, the IDF is “prepared, trained and equipped. Readiness for emergency and war stands at the top of the IDF’s priorities,” he added.

A new emphasis on training conscripts and reserves dominates the agenda, the chief of staff said.

Additionally, the IDF’s increased understanding of its enemy has led to to many insights and improvements, he added. “All of these will enable the IDF – if it is required – to win in the next confrontation,” said the chief of staff.

The threat posed to Israel by Hezbollah in Lebanon continues to this day, and the IDF must prepare for “every scenario” that could develop, he warned.