Israel on High Alert as IDF Destroys Hezbollah Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

Israel is on high alert along its northern border following the IDF's completion of clearing Hezbollah's main underground complex in the area of the Ali Taher ridge. The military is continuing to neutralize tunnels and destroy remaining infrastructure in the region. Iran has warned that any comprehensive Israeli action on the ridge would be met with a significant counterattack, while Hezbollah is pressuring Tehran to intervene and halt the IDF's advance.

Israeli defense officials are considering the possibility of a direct Iranian response but assess that the likelihood of broad escalation is currently low. Nevertheless, Israel is preparing for potential limited responses or days of fighting in the north. Israel has conveyed a clear message that Iranian intervention would trigger a substantial response extending far beyond Lebanon.

A senior IDF official emphasized the Air Force's readiness for extensive offensive action, stating, "Iran has no reason to interfere in what is happening in Lebanon. If Iran intervenes and responds, they will very quickly receive a powerful response that we have prepared." Earlier, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran, declaring, "An Iranian attack on Israel will release us from all constraints. We will strike all infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, and return Iran to the Stone Age and darkness."

Katz also addressed Tehran's potential motives, suggesting that "there are signs we are seeing that indicate the heavy economic pressure Iran is under and the fear of an uprising and the fall of the regime may push them to desperate measures." He affirmed that Israel is well-prepared for any scenario and has no intention of withdrawing from the security zone in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat to the residents of the Galilee is removed.

The IDF notified authorities in northern Israel that it would conduct a series of planned strikes and explosions in the coming hours, with the sounds of detonations expected throughout the region, particularly in the central Upper Galilee, Ramim Ridge, Hula Valley, and the Golan Heights. No changes to public safety instructions were announced.