One thing is certain: we have achieved a clear and decisive victory in the military campaign against Hezbollah, not nearly the tie that was attributed to the Second Lebanon War.
Amir Rapaport -- Beyond the fact that Iran was forced this week to appoint the uncharismatic Naim Qassem as the organization's secretary-general, I also learned of the heroism of the "Alon" Brigade fighters, who were called for their third reserve round during "Iron Swords" last month.
The "Alon," Brigade 228, was formed under the Northern Command's 146th Division (formerly 319), "Alon" is a relatively "ordinary" infantry brigade in the IDF reserves, with most of its forces made up of veterans of the Nahal Brigade. Its commander, Colonel Yaniv Malka, hails from Ashkelon, and his family was evacuated from their home for many months after October 2023.
Now, the 228th has an illustrious chapter, including a heroic battle in the heart of the Kasbah in a southern Lebanese village (Aitaroun) last Saturday noon (shortly after the strike in Iran). Unfortunately, the brigade paid a heavy price in the battle, including the deaths of Senior Sergeant Shaul Moyal, 47, from Karnei Shomron; Major Avraham Yosef Goldberg, 43, from Jerusalem (who served as a fighter; the deputy commander was also seriously injured in the battle); Master Sergeant Gilad Elmalich, 30, from Jerusalem; Captain Amit Hayut, 29, from Haifa; and Major Eliav Amram Abitbul, 36, from Eitan.