Israel Won't Leave Lebanon Security Zone Until Hezbollah Disarmed, Says Defense Minister

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that control over the "Ali al-Taher" heights in southern Lebanon signifies the completion of securing the Lebanese security zone. He explained that following maneuvers and securing key positions like "Qal'at al-Shaqif" (Château de Beaufort) and strategic heights protecting Israel's northern Galilee region, the advance towards Ali al-Taher was ordered based on intelligence about Hezbollah command and control tunnels.

Katz described the Ali al-Taher tunnels as a command center for attacks on Israeli forces and the Galilee, and a fortified defensive position for the Nabatieh area, crucial for Hezbollah. He praised the IDF's efforts in difficult terrain and the soldiers' commitment, noting the operation's complexity and success in clearing the tunnels of militants.

"Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and threats to the residents of the Galilee are removed," Katz declared, emphasizing this is a clear, non-negotiable policy led with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He called the capture of Ali al-Taher a significant step towards this objective.

The IDF announced on Thursday that it had completed clearing Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Ali al-Taher heights within the security zone. Forces from the 36th Division cleared two underground routes, gaining operational control above and below ground, and eliminating or forcing the withdrawal of militants. The underground facilities included operations rooms, weapons storage, generator rooms, living quarters, and sanitation facilities, built over two decades with funding and planning from Iran.

The IDF stated its operations continue to neutralize the cleared underground infrastructure, after which it will redeploy defensively. The military warned that any Hezbollah aggression would be met with force, while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.