Israel Completes Control of Southern Lebanon Security Zone, Vows No Withdrawal

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed their control over the security zone in southern Lebanon following the capture of the strategic Ali Taher ridge. Katz stated that the complex operation successfully cleared Hezbollah command tunnels, which were used to launch attacks against IDF forces and Israeli communities in the Galilee.

"The capture of the Ali Taher ridge marks the completion of the IDF's grip on the security zone in southern Lebanon," Katz said in a statement. He explained that after maneuvering to the anti-tank line and capturing Beaufort, and establishing a position on the ridge overlooking the eastern Galilee, the decision was made to advance towards Ali Taher based on intelligence about Hezbollah command and control tunnels in the area. These tunnels were crucial for Hezbollah, serving as a command center for attacks and a defensive position for the Nabatieh area.

Katz emphasized the difficult combat conditions and praised the soldiers' commitment. He revealed that heavy censorship was imposed on the operation's details to ensure the soldiers' safety. The Ali Taher ridge, approximately 700 meters high and culminating near Beaufort, creates a significant geographical separation and offers strategic observation and targeting capabilities over Nabatieh's access routes, making it a key Hezbollah command post.

The Defense Minister reiterated the government's firm policy: "Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a clear and uncompromising line, reinforced daily by the IDF: Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats to the residents of the Galilee are removed." Katz concluded that the capture of Ali Taher is a significant step toward achieving this objective.

This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions on the northern border, with the IDF continuing its efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's terror infrastructure. In a related development, a senior Hezbollah commander, Abu Hassan Alaa, head of the 'Badar' unit, was reportedly killed in the Deir al-Zahrani area. He was targeted for his role in advancing terror activities, including launching explosive drones into southern Lebanon.