(JNS) The IDF has entered a new stage in the conflict against Iran’s regional terrorist proxies, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday, Sept. 18, speaking shortly before a second wave of explosions hit Hezbollah communications devices across Beirut and Southern Lebanon.

“I estimate that we are at the beginning of a new period in this war,” he declared, speaking at the Ramat David Airbase near Haifa.

“The center of gravity is moving to the north. This means that we are moving forces, resources and energy to the north,” the defense minister said. “We did not forget the hostages, and we did not forget our missions in the south. This is our duty, and we carry it out simultaneously.”

Regarding the looming war with Hezbollah, he said “this operation is carried out by all the [security] bodies, and the mission is clear and simple: To bring the residents of the north back to their homes safely.

“The prime minister, the chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet, of the Mossad, and the defense minister, all of them are participating in a joint effort, with one goal in mind, to bring the residents back,” he added.

Hezbollah, a proxy of Iran, “is not Hamas … and we need to take this into account. … This war requires courage, determination and perseverance,” according to the defense minister.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi on Wednesday night approved “attack and defense plans for the north,” the army said.

“We still have many capabilities that we have not yet activated, I repeat, we have not yet activated. We saw some of these things here,” Halevi stated in remarks made at the Northern Command base in Safed.

“The rule is that every time we work on a certain stage, the next two stages are already ready to advance. At each stage, the price for Hezbollah must be high,” the Israeli army chief concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, IDF Northern Command Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin said the army is striving to subdue Hezbollah’s threat on the northern border and “change the security reality as soon as possible.”