“We will deploy whatever is needed – you, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and from the land,” to return the 60,000 displaced civilians in northern Israel, Mr Gallant said.
Israel has already redeployed soldiers from Gaza to the northern border in recent months, shifting focus to its campaign against Hezbollah, whose fighters have launched 9,000 rockets across the Lebanon border since fighting broke out in October last year.
As Israel continues to expand its campaign against Hezbollah, MGI Rafi Milo, the commanding officer of the home front command, told local authorities there are “gaps” in the country’s air defences, which are “not impenetrable”.
“Therefore, when you hear an alert, immediately enter a sheltered space,” Mr Milo said. “If you don’t have access to a sheltered space, choose the safest space available and enter it – this saves lives. Stay alert, stay ready, and follow the instructions.”