Israel Completes Security Zone in Southern Lebanon After Destroying Hezbollah Infrastructure

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon. This follows the IDF's successful destruction of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge.

According to a joint statement, the destroyed infrastructure was a strategic terror network built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The statement indicated that this network was intended to serve as a base for Hezbollah to attack and potentially occupy northern Israeli communities, including Metula and Kiryat Shmona, by controlling observation and fire over the areas.

Netanyahu and Katz stated that the destruction of this infrastructure completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge, both above and below ground. The IDF is now preparing to defend the area and prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence.

The IDF will remain in the security zone and continue to operate against Hezbollah infrastructure and any attempts by the organization to rebuild its capabilities. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister issued a strong message, asserting that Israel will continue to defend its northern communities from within Lebanon and will respond forcefully to any attempt to harm its citizens or forces.