IDF Completes Operation Against Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that it has achieved operational control over the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, both above and below ground. While the operation to neutralize the subterranean infrastructure has concluded, the process of clearing it of terrorists is ongoing. Following this, the IDF will re-establish defensive positions based on ongoing assessments.

The subterranean facilities, which included command posts, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and kitchens, were used by Hezbollah terrorists to conduct operations against Israel and sustain prolonged stays. This strategic infrastructure, developed over two decades, was funded and designed by Iran. The IDF secured control through ambushes, tunnel shaft attacks, grenades, drones, and direct fire.

Hezbollah's "Badr" unit constructed these tunnels, utilizing them for years to manage fire systems, combat IDF forces, and execute terror plots against Israel. During operations "Northern Arrows" and "Lion's Roar," Hezbollah terrorists continuously used these routes. The IDF's current operational control was facilitated by a weakening of the organization in the area due to these prior operations.

Separately, a senior U.S. State Department official told Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed that Washington is working to prevent the collapse of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon by achieving small successes that could pave the way for discussing more complex issues. The release of prisoners mentioned in the report was reportedly a result of efforts by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and U.S. President Donald Trump, following an agreement in Rome to exchange lists of missing persons and detainees. The U.S. ambassador reportedly pressured Israel to cooperate and maintain the negotiation track. While no date for the next talks has been set, they may occur near the end of the month.

Sources involved in the negotiations described the prisoner release as the "first harvest" of the Rome talks, reflecting American determination for their success and demonstrating that achievements, though slow, are certain. An Israeli official told Al-Arabiya that the IDF attacked the entrances to the tunnels on the Ali Taher ridge, confirming Iranian involvement in funding and planning the infrastructure but stating that no Iranian advisors or officers were found within the tunnels.