Israel Destroys Hezbollah Terror Tunnels in Southern Lebanon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have destroyed Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. They stated this action completes the organization of the security zone in southern Lebanon. The joint statement from Netanyahu and Katz indicated the operation was carried out under their direction, targeting infrastructure built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning.

According to the statement, the destroyed infrastructure and command posts on the ridge were intended for Hezbollah's plans to conquer the Galilee. The infrastructure also controlled observation and fire over the Israeli towns of Metula and Kiryat Shmona. The destruction, as reported, achieves the IDF's operational control over the Ali Taher ridge, both above and below ground.

Netanyahu and Katz also addressed the IDF's ongoing operations in southern Lebanon, clarifying that forces are preparing for defense in the area and to prevent Hezbollah's return. "The IDF will remain in the security zone, continue to destroy terror infrastructure, and thwart any attempt by the Hezbollah terror organization to re-establish itself and restore its capabilities," they stated. This indicates that even after the Ali Taher ridge operation, the IDF is expected to continue operating from within southern Lebanon's security zone.

"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," the statement concluded.