Israel Won't Withdraw From Southern Lebanon Until Threat Eliminated, Defense Minister Says

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the completion of the Israeli military's capture of the strategic Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Katz stated that the ridge housed a Hezbollah command center, which has now been cleared of militants. He emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone until the entire Hezbollah organization is disarmed throughout Lebanon, declaring, "We are leading an uncompromising line to remove the threat to the residents of the Galilee."

The operation to secure Ali Taher ridge followed intelligence indicating the presence of Hezbollah command and control tunnels in the area. Katz explained that these tunnels served as a command center for attacks against Israeli forces and the Galilee region. The ridge itself was the final controlling position defending the Nabatieh area, considered a critical strategic objective for Hezbollah.

The Israeli military operated under extremely difficult terrain conditions, employing both offensive and defensive tactics. Katz revealed that details of the operation were heavily classified due to concerns for troop safety. The complex and systematic operation successfully neutralized the tunnels and cleared them of militants.

Following the operation, the IDF is expected to complete the neutralization of the tunnels and establish a tactical hold on the ridge to prevent any future Hezbollah entrenchment. Katz reiterated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pursuing a clear and uncompromising policy, evidenced by ongoing military operations, stating that Israel will not retreat from the security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed across Lebanon and the threats to the Galilee are completely removed. He characterized the capture of Ali Taher as a significant step towards achieving this strategic goal.