The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade remains prepared for potential ground operations in Beirut if ordered, according to Battalion 13 Commander “M.” The commander, who led his unit into southern Lebanon in early March 2025, confirmed that his forces recently secured the Wadi Saluki area, a move he says is intended to push back Hezbollah rocket and drone launching lines from the border.
How the IDF secured Wadi Saluki
Battalion 13 took control of the Wadi Saluki area approximately two weeks ago, following weeks of intermittent, short-term penetrations. According to the commander, the shift to a holding strategy allowed officers to formalize new battle rules and advance through the river area at night. The operation was supported by heavy fire from the air force, artillery, and tank units, which the commander credited with paving the way for ground forces. During the advance, the battalion encountered Hezbollah resistance, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers. The commander reported that his unit killed roughly 50 Hezbollah fighters in the area and seized Iranian-origin military maps and strategy materials.
Why the ground presence matters
The commander stated that the primary objective of the ground invasion is to prevent Hezbollah from launching anti-tank missiles, mortars, and rockets into northern Israeli civilian villages. He argued that these objectives cannot be achieved by air power alone, necessitating the deployment of ground forces to physically push back enemy lines. While the battalion successfully cleared tunnels and weapons caches, the commander acknowledged that the threat from First-Person View (FPV) drones remains a persistent challenge. He noted that the military entered the conflict without being fully prepared for this specific technology, though troops are now utilizing nets, special guns, and improved observation techniques to mitigate the risk.
What happens next for the battalion
Looking ahead, the battalion has entered a multi-week period intended for equipment maintenance and rest before returning to active duty. The commander described the current conflict as a protracted campaign rather than a single operation, stating that systematic, long-term action is required. While he expects the defense establishment to develop more comprehensive solutions to the FPV drone threat, he cautioned that these advancements could take months to implement. The unit remains in a state of readiness, with the commander emphasizing that his forces are prepared for further missions as the IDF continues its operations in Lebanon.
