Israeli Army: We are ready for any developments on borders with Syria, Lebanon

The commander of the Israeli army's Northern Command, Rafi Milo, affirmed that the deployed forces are "at a high level of defensive and field readiness, prepared for any potential developments in the Syrian and Lebanese regions."

According to the Jerusalem Post, Milo emphasized that the army "will not allow terrorism to take root on the border," adding that the army units will continue to act "decisively and proactively to eliminate threats before they develop."

He referred to the recent operation in the town of Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, describing it as part of "a broad series of counter-terrorism operations in southern Syria," during which six reserve soldiers were wounded and suspects were apprehended.

Milo confirmed that the army is continuing its "preemptive action" in the border areas, considering advanced defense a fundamental element for protecting settlements and the northern border.

Milo's statements came after an Israeli shelling of Beit Jinn that resulted in killing 13 civilians and wounded 24 others, after a clash erupted between the town's residents and an Israeli patrol. One of those arrested, Ibrahim al-Saadi, was later released.

Milo concluded by saying, "We cannot wait for the enemy to attack first; we must be the initiators and the first line of defense against any threat."

J.J