The Israeli Chief of Staff: The army is on alert on fronts near and far, ready to attack any threat In a speech from the northern border and the city of Hayam, the Chief of Staff said that Hezbollah has proven that it is an Iranian arm, and that the IDF will not allow it to establish infrastructure in the area or improve its capabilities. Any attempt to threaten the northern settlements, according to him, will be met with an immediate and powerful response.