Since shortly after October 7, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been working on a secret mission called “Operation Silver Plow.” The details have now come to light. As a result of Hamas’ invasion and murder of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 people on October 7, 2023, the IDF called up thousands of reservists to report and guard the northern border with Lebanon where Hezbollah terrorists operate. Since the border remained relatively quiet for a while, the IDF decided to use the time and personnel to reshape the border to ensure safety for the civilians in the border communities, who feared similar invasions and the use of tunnels from Hezbollah terrorists.

For over a year, the IDF engineering and infantry soldiers cut through about 75 miles of difficult terrain from Rosh HaNikra to Har Dov on Mount Hermon. They cut through dense forests, destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, and exploded tunnels that were found reaching into Israel, which Hezbollah had spent decades building. Now the entire border is clear and visible for surveillance and guarding. The 146th battalion’s engineering personnel cleared 6 miles of tough terrain. Lieutenant Colonel S. says,

When we found underground bunkers, command centers, rooms for terrorists, observation and firing positions etc., it was a fortified thicket. Now, looking at this area, you can see that the enemy can’t position itself or hide there anymore. . . . here, we saw how Hezbollah was preparing to reach the border fence. You’re walking along, and suddenly you feel something unsteady. You clear the undergrowth, pick up a net, and underneath there’s a wooden panel, and inside there’s a dug-out outpost with complete combat equipment inside a barrel. Under the cover of darkness or fog, all the Redwan forces had to do was take the barrel out, get dressed, pull out the iron frame hidden nearby in the ground, attach the explosive devices, attach that to the wall or fence, and detonate it.

Praise God that Hezbollah, although prepared, did not invade Israel. Please pray for the ongoing work the IDF is doing to create peace and safety along the border with Lebanon.