IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi assessed that Hizbollah “thinks it understands how we think. This thought brings it to dare and challenge us where it is sure it will not lead to war. I see this as a good way to create surprises if necessary”. He further highlighted that “we have good preparedness in the northern arena. A campaign in the northern arena will be difficult on the home front. We will know how to deal with it, but it will be difficult. It will be seven times harder for Lebanon, and even more so for Hizbollah”. Halevi also discussed Syria and argued: “Iran uses Syria for a potential war zone with Israel… We are not indifferent to this. I would remind Bashar Assad of one very interesting fact in an era where data is being talked about: The countries that clung to Iran became failed states. If he wants to build after the civil war, let him take that to heart”.