Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday vowed a forceful response after a Hezbollah drone attack in Southern Lebanon killed four IDF soldiers, including Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon.
“I send heartfelt condolences to the families of the commander of the Armored Corps 52nd Battalion, Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon, and of three heroic fighters whose names have not yet been cleared for publication,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“Following the heinous attack by Hezbollah, which is a flagrant violation of the ceasefire, I instructed the IDF last night to strike Hezbollah with force,” the prime minister said.
According to the premier, Israeli forces struck more than 80 terrorist targets and killed dozens of Hezbollah operatives following the attack. The military subsequently targeted Hezbollah command centers in the Bekaa Valley on Friday morning.
Netanyahu said he had held a security assessment with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
“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 attacks,” he said. “The IDF will act to thwart any threat to our forces and our territory.”
The premier also reaffirmed Israel’s intention to maintain its buffer in Southern Lebanon despite international pressure to withdraw.
“Israel will remain in the security zone in Southern Lebanon for as long as necessary for the protection of the communities of the north,” he said.
Katz described the deaths of the four soldiers as a “difficult loss” for the IDF, the defense establishment and the State of Israel.
The defense minister paid tribute to Ben Simhon, calling him “a brave, determined and dedicated commander” who led his troops in combat against Israel’s enemies on the northern front.
“We will not allow harm to come to our soldiers and citizens, and every Hezbollah violation of the ceasefire will be met with great force,” Katz said.
Reaffirming Israel’s policy in Southern Lebanon, he said the IDF would remain in the security zone “from the Mediterranean coast to the heights of the Beaufort Ridge” to protect northern Israeli communities, thwart threats and destroy Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure “above and below ground.”
President Isaac Herzog extended condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.
“This is a very difficult and painful morning,” Herzog said. “Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon and the additional three fallen soldiers, whose names have not yet been cleared for publication, join a long and unbearably painful list of the daughters and sons who have fallen in defense of our homeland and people.
“Together with the whole of the people of Israel, we embrace their beloved and precious families and send them our heartfelt condolences at this difficult moment,” he added. “May the memory of our heroes be blessed.”
