Settler leader Haim Cohen says 'the northern campaign is over'

Unconfirmed Declaration

Haim Cohen, a prominent figure within the settler movement, issued a brief but definitive statement on Monday afternoon claiming that "the war in the north is over." The message was circulated via his personal a monitored channel and subsequently picked up by other local networks. While Cohen is known for his activism and ties to specific political circles in Judea and Samaria, he does not hold a formal security or governmental role that would authorize him to declare the end of a military campaign.

Context of De-escalation

The statement arrives during a sensitive window for Israel's northern security. Recent reports have indicated a shift toward de-escalation on the front with Hezbollah, following months of intense cross-border exchanges. This follows a broader diplomatic context, including prior reports of a White House memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. However, the situation remains volatile; Hezbollah leadership, including Naim Qassem, has recently maintained a defiant stance, rejecting Israeli freedom of action in southern Lebanon.

Analysis and Outlook

At this stage, Cohen's declaration should be treated as an unconfirmed claim rather than a change in official Israeli military policy. The Zioneer Intelligence Desk has reviewed the available material and notes that no official announcement regarding the termination of the northern campaign has been issued by the Prime Minister's Office or the IDF.

For residents of northern Israel and the thousands of reservists still deployed, the lack of official confirmation means the security status quo remains in effect. Observers should watch for formal briefings from the IDF Northern Command to determine if Cohen's statement reflects an imminent policy shift or remains an isolated political claim.