Israel Completes Control of Security Zone in Southern Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced Friday that the capture of the Ali Al-Taher hill marks the completion of Israeli forces' control over the security zone in southern Lebanon. Gallant stated in a video message that after advancing to the 'anti-tank defense line' and securing the Shqif heights, overlooking and protecting Israeli communities in the Galilee, the decision was made to move towards the Ali Al-Taher heights based on intelligence indicating Hezbollah command and control tunnels were located there.

He explained that the Ali Al-Taher tunnels served as a command center for attacks on Israeli forces and the Galilee, as well as a final command center for Hezbollah's defense of the Nabatieh region, highlighting their strategic importance to the group. Gallant noted that the Israeli military operated in challenging terrain, engaging in offensive and defensive actions, and that securing Ali Al-Taher signifies the consolidation of control over the southern Lebanese security zone.

Gallant added that he closely monitored the operations, including communication with ground forces, and that strict secrecy was maintained for troop safety. He confirmed that the mission was accomplished through a complex and systematic operation, with the tunnels cleared of Hezbollah operatives. The Israeli military will now neutralize the tunnels and make the necessary tactical preparations to control the hills and prevent the enemy from re-establishing a presence.

Gallant emphasized that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintain a clear and uncompromising stance, supported daily by the IDF: Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout the country and threats to the Galilee population are removed. He considered the capture of Ali Al-Taher a significant step toward achieving this goal.

These statements follow the Israeli military's announcement of completing the 'clearing' and achieving 'operational control' of the Ali Al-Taher area. Prime Minister Netanyahu also announced the 'clearing' of the strategic area, from which Hezbollah had threatened to attack the Galilee. He reported that Israeli forces seized weapons and computers, killed many Hezbollah operatives, and that the area no longer poses a threat. Israel is preparing for potential escalation in southern Lebanon, though the likelihood of a widespread confrontation is considered low, according to Israeli Channel 12. The IDF continues to maintain high readiness and coordinates closely with the United States.