Q&A With IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin

Question: Does Israel know who the Iranian Assembly of Experts, if they aren’t eliminated, plans to appoint to replace Khamenei?

Answer: A few days ago, we struck the building of the Assembly of Experts in the city of Qom to prevent the selection of a new leader. The role of the Supreme Leader in the Iranian terror regime includes commanding the army, the armed forces, and the terrorist groups that attack Israel and destabilize countries across the region and the world.

We continue to target the Iranian terror regime’s command and control systems. This is part of that effort, and we will keep acting to prevent the selection of a terror leader. Who they choose is up to them, but we will continue to intensify our efforts to prevent it.

Question: Is Israel considering expanding the ground operation in Lebanon due to increasing fire against its forces?

Answer: After Hezbollah opened fire in Lebanon, we struck them with significant force. They knew what they were doing, and they are paying a heavy price. We strike them across Lebanon with great intensity. Additionally, we advanced, secured controlling positions along the border, and the IDF forces act as a buffer between any threat and our civilians — we are on the ground.

All options are on the table. We will continue to strike Hezbollah with force, and again, we will not give up on the goal of disarming them. All options remain on the table.

Question: Does the IDF avoid striking Hezbollah facilities that are known to us due to concerns about harming civilians?

Answer: We have been striking in Lebanon for many months. Every violation by the organization and every threat it poses — we respond with powerful strikes to eliminate the danger. In recent days, particularly since Hezbollah chose to open fire and is now paying a heavy price.

We strike them everywhere. In just the last four days, we attacked over 600 targets across Lebanon. In the Dahieh area alone, in the past two days, we struck dozens of command and control sites, commanders, and UAV production labs. We will continue striking Hezbollah wherever it poses a threat in Lebanon, and we remain committed to our goal of dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons until the threat is fully removed.