IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin: “We Are Hitting Back Very Hard”
IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin’s interview: “We Are Hitting Back Very Hard”.JERUSALEM — As the conflict in the Middle East enters its 15th day, Brigadier General Effie Defrin’s, spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), provided a candid assessment of Israel’s military objectives in an interview with NDTV. His remarks outline a dual-front strategy: a relentless campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and a surgical degradation of Iran’s military capabilities.
The general’s metaphor for the current conflict describes Iran as the “head of the octopus” and Hezbollah as its “largest arm.” According to Defrin, the current escalation was triggered 10 days ago when Hezbollah resumed fire, and Israel has “no intention of stopping” until the threat is eliminated.
Strategic Objectives: Dismantling the “Octopus”
Brigadier General Defrin emphasized that Israel’s primary goal is not regime change but the systematic dismantling of military assets used to threaten the Israeli state.
- In Iran (Operation Roaring Lion): The IDF is targeting ballistic missile production, air defense systems, and nuclear-related infrastructure. Defrin noted that strikes on the Iranian mainland directly weaken Hezbollah by cutting off its “sponsor, financier, and trainer.”
- In Lebanon: The objective is to push Hezbollah forces back from the border and create a secure environment for Israeli civilians. Defrin claimed that over the past 24 hours, the IDF has struck roughly 400 targets in Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.
The Qlayaa Incident: Tragedy in a Christian Village
Responding to allegations that Israeli counterfire hit a Christian community in southern Lebanon, Defrin addressed the death of Father Pierre al-Rahi in the village of Qlayaa.
He stated that Hezbollah operatives attempted to fire anti-tank missiles from within the village, prompting an Israeli response. He noted that even within Lebanon, voices are blaming Hezbollah for the tragedy, accusing the group of using civilian and religious sites as shields. MediaXTrand reports that this incident has sparked unprecedented calls for “neutrality” from Maronite Christian leaders in the south.
A Paradigm Shift in Lebanese Politics?
One of the most striking claims made by Defrin was the emergence of “unprecedented calls” within Lebanon for direct talks with Israel. He cited statements from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who have expressed a desire to delink the Lebanese state from Hezbollah’s regional calculations.
| Country | Key Diplomatic Stance (March 14, 2026) |
| Lebanon | President Aoun calls for “direct negotiations” under international sponsorship. |
| France | President Macron offers to host direct Israel-Lebanon talks in Paris. |
| Israel | PM Netanyahu appoints Ron Dermer to handle the “Lebanon file” for potential talks. |
| USA | Jared Kushner involved in mediating potential security arrangements. |