Retired Colonel: Holding Ali Taher Ridge Crucial for Northern Israel's Security

Retired Colonel Ronen Itzik, a former commander in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, has emphasized the critical strategic importance of the Ali Taher Ridge for the defense of Israel's northern communities. In an interview with Arutz 7, Itzik explained that control over the ridge provides a significant altitude advantage, overlooking the area between Metula and Mount Dov, and also commands the Litani River crossings. He stated that any hostile force attempting to cross the Litani from east or west would be fully controlled from the ridge.

Itzik elaborated that the ridge's topography allows for easy enemy access from Beirut and the Jermuk area, facilitating the deployment of weapons. He warned that a withdrawal from the ridge would allow Hezbollah to quickly regain control and observation over the entire region within days. Therefore, he stressed the necessity for Israel to maintain its hold on the ridge and dismantle the extensive underground infrastructure, including tunnels, that Hezbollah has established there over two decades.

He compared the ridge's strategic value to that of Mount Hermon, highlighting its role in dividing southern Lebanon into eastern and western sectors. Itzik argued that relinquishing control would allow adversaries to freely enter the area and dominate observation and fire over northern Israeli towns, particularly Metula. He dismissed the idea of settling for Hezbollah being only north of the Litani, asserting that without holding the ridge, preventing Hezbollah's southward advance is impossible.

Itzik described Hezbollah as a cunning and capable Iranian proxy, comparing their entrenchment on the ridge to Hamas's efforts in Gaza, but on a larger scale. He credited the IDF's control of the area as a dramatic achievement and stressed that dismantling the underground infrastructure is the final step in preventing Hezbollah's return. He also noted that Iran's threats to attack Israel if the tunnels are destroyed serve as validation of Israel's correct actions.

Despite the significant military achievements, Itzik cautioned against complacency, noting that while the strategic situation has changed, the hostile environment persists. He believes that holding the Ali Taher Ridge and clearing its underground infrastructure is a historic national mission that will resonate for years to come. However, he observed that a majority of the Israeli public does not fully grasp the importance of the ridge, as understanding requires direct experience in the area.