The Hizbullah terror cell members that infiltrated Israel from Lebanon last week apparently planned to kidnap soldiers, IDF Northern Command Chief Major-General Benny Gantz said Sunday.
Hizbullah equipment found by IDF forces (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
According to security sources, IDF troops discovered the terrorists less than a day after they infiltrated the northern border.
The cell’s commander, a senior Hizbullah member, was killed by IDF fire, but two other terrorists managed to escape.
Cameras, camouflage, knives and rifles
According to Gantz, the video and stills cameras, the night-vision apparatus, camouflage nets, battle rations, knives and rifles that were retrieved during the IDF forces’ pursuit of the terrorists indicate Hizbullah receives its supplies from Syria and Iran.
“We plan to continue with our activity along the Mount Dov region and the entire northern border,” he said. “Hizbullah is attempting to undermine the security and prevent Lebanon from embarking on its new course following Syria’s withdrawal.”
Gantz said he hopes Lebanon would implement the U.N.’s decision that calls for the Lebanese army to deploy its forces in the southern part of the country and disarm terror organizations operating in the area.
No escalation in sight
He added that he is not surprised by the fact that Hizbullah did not retaliate to the IDF’s attacks on its strongholds in Lebanon.
Regarding the fear that Hizbullah would boost its terror activity along the northern border during the disengagement, Gantz said he believes the organization is not interested in wide-scale escalation, but added that it is hard to predict what will happen when the pullout starts.
