Israel Destroys Hezbollah Terror Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

Israeli forces have completed their takeover of the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, destroying significant Hezbollah terror infrastructure built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. This operation, aimed at securing the northern border, involved destroying underground facilities and a command center intended to serve as a base for Hezbollah to conquer the Galilee and control observation and fire on Israeli towns like Metula and Kiryat Shmona.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF, following their directive, destroyed the infrastructure, completing the organization of the security zone in southern Lebanon. The destruction of these facilities ensures Israel's operational control over the ridge, both above and below ground. The IDF is preparing to defend the area and prevent the return of Hezbollah operatives.

In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz emphasized that Israel will remain in the security zone, continue to destroy terror infrastructure, and thwart any attempts by Hezbollah to re-establish its capabilities. "The State of Israel will continue to defend the northern communities from within Lebanon, and any attempt to harm our citizens and our forces will be met with force," they stated.

The operation occurs amidst heightened alert across all conflict zones, including Iran, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and Judea and Samaria, ahead of the Jewish High Holidays. The Israeli security establishment views the Iranian threat as the top priority, warning that any Iranian attack would trigger a severe war, not a limited response. Israel has vowed immediate and uncompromising retaliation for any attack.

Local authorities in northern Israel announced that controlled explosions would be conducted in the coming hours along the Lebanese front, with residents advised that the sounds of explosions would be heard, particularly in the central Upper Galilee, Ramim Ridge, Hula Valley, and Golan Heights. No changes to public instructions were issued.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking at the Western Wall, reiterated Israel's commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, referencing US President Donald Trump's statement about Iran's nuclear ambitions. He also highlighted Israel's aggressive actions against Iran's proxies, mentioning the destruction of the Beaufort ridge and the ongoing operation at Ali Taher ridge, promising further action.