The Chief of the General Staff spoke about the goals of the ground operation in Lebanon, possibly the beginning of a new phase of the war.

The IDF Chief of Staff visited an armored brigade training exercise on Israel's border with Lebanon. He stressed the need to prepare for a possible ground operation in Lebanon. The military leader described the nature of the fighting and emphasized the threat from Hezbollah.

Halevy stressed that the main goal is the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes. He described the ground operation as a necessary step in achieving this goal. Meeting with the militants and destroying their infrastructure is intended to demonstrate the confrontation and superiority of military power.

The General Staff leader concluded that the experience and professionalism of Israeli soldiers will enable them to successfully complete the assigned tasks. Preparation for armed conflict and destruction of enemy positions will make it possible for the residents to return safely and stabilize the situation on the border.