‘Operation Steady Anchor’ Launched to Safeguard Northern Residents in Potential War

By Yoni Weiss

The IDF has launched Operation Steady Anchor to prepare for a potential war with Hezbollah in northern Israel, focusing on safeguarding tens of thousands of residents without shelters or safe rooms. The Home Front Command, in the last few weeks, has introduced an emergency program to establish mass shelters, primarily located in underground parking lots, to protect those residing in older buildings lacking protective spaces.

In a strategic plan formulated and budgeted over the past two months, dozens of mass shelters have been set up to accommodate residents without protection. These shelters aim to provide a safe haven for periods ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the urgency. The defense establishment has completed a substantial procurement process, securing logistical solutions such as cleaning services for these complexes and thousands of packages of non-perishable food and water.

The program also encompasses transportation coordination by the Home Front Command in the event of an all-out war against Hezbollah, ensuring the safe relocation of citizens, including the elderly and disabled. While previous considerations included emergency tents in safer locations, such as the Aravah in the Negev Desert, this plan was abandoned, recognizing residents’ preference to stay close to their homes.

“We have now purchased about 80,000 packages of food for the benefit of the program,” mentioned a military official familiar with the operation. The IDF is focusing on strengthening protection solutions in cities near the border, such as Nahariya and Kiryat Shemona.

The program includes temporary accommodation facilities, beds, and chairs for the residents’ well-being. The Home Front Command emphasizes that the plan should be implemented at the national level, extending similar solutions to unprotected residents in central Israel.

Recognizing the evolving threat, the IDF has identified Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal, including precision rockets with advanced capabilities. Hezbollah’s weaponry, including long-range anti-tank missiles and suicide drones, poses a considerable risk, prompting the development of strategic plans and protective measures.

The IDF Northern Command, led by Major General Ori Gordin, is actively engaging in contingency planning to address security concerns and is committed to altering the security situation to facilitate the safe return of residents to their homes.