The Middle East is on the brink of generalized conflict with Israel and Hezbollah escalating their strikes while at the same time, IDF Northern Command chief Lt. Gen. Orie Gordin stressed that the military must be “vigorously prepared” for a hands-on attack in Lebanon.

“We have entered another phase of the campaign… The operation began with a very significant blow to Hezbollah’s capabilities, with an emphasis on [missile] capabilities and a very significant blow to the commanders and members of the organization,” Gordin stressed, while visiting a simulated ground operation exercise yesterday.

“We need to change the security situation. We have to be very vigorously prepared to enter Lebanon with a ground maneuver,” he added.

Meanwhile, Israel is recruiting another two reserve brigades on the northern border for operational activities, the military said today after days of escalating airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in various parts of Lebanon. “This will enable the continuation of the battle against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, the defense of the State of Israel, and create the conditions for the residents of northern Israel to return to their homes,” the IDF said in a statement.