IDF Deploys Largest Force on Lebanon Border Since Second Lebanon War

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon (Likud) assessed the Northern Command headquarters in Tzfat (Safed) on Friday, in a special meeting attended by the GOC Aviv Kochavi, Chief of Operations Gen. Yoav Har-Even and other senior IDF officials. During the assessment, Ya’alon examined whether the Northern Command is sufficiently prepared for the possibility of an attack from Israel’s northern neighbors, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and any number of groups from Syria. “We must be prepared and ready for any attempt to challenge us, in view of the calls heard on the other side [for war],” Ya’alon stated. “It is important to continue to remain calm and patient, and know the most appropriate means to respond.” “Israel sees governments, regimes and organizations across the northern border as responsible for what is happening in their territory, and they should know that [attacks would] take a toll in any case of violation of Israeli sovereignty, civilians and soldiers,” he warned. “We will not tolerate attempts to harm us and we will respond forcefully to any such attempts.” The Defense Minister called on northern residents and travelers in the area to keep their daily routines, and follow the instructions of the IDF if necessary. “We will continue to act with determination, responsibility and discretion to ensure the safety of the citizens of Israel,” he clarified.