In this opinion piece, Brig. Gen. (res.) Eran Ortal analyzes the recent successes and challenges of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the northern front, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. While praising operations like the raid on Hezbollah’s missile production site and the innovative use of remote detonation, Ortal critiques the broader strategic limitations. The IDF’s focus on counterterrorism and special operations, stemming from decades of fighting terrorist groups, is seen as insufficient against Hezbollah, which has evolved into a formidable military force. Ortal argues that the “war between wars” strategy, though effective for intelligence and surgical strikes, fails to deliver a decisive military outcome. He calls for a shift in Israeli military thinking towards a more comprehensive strategy that prioritizes dismantling Hezbollah as a combatant force, warning that reliance on special operations and intelligence may hinder long-term victory.

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