IDF Declares Hezbollah Infrastructure Destroyed in Northern Operation

The Israeli military announced a significant operational achievement on the northern border, stating that all Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon has been dismantled. This declaration follows the destruction of Hezbollah terror tunnels on the Ali Taher ridge as part of Operation 'Chotsev Lahavot' (Delineating Flames).

According to Israeli military officials, the capture of the strategic ridge was a well-planned deception exercise. The operation involved the 7th Brigade, the Golani reconnaissance unit, which forged new paths to surprise Hezbollah operatives, and the Commando Brigade, whose soldiers planted hundreds of tons of explosives to demolish the infrastructure. Forces from Division 36 worked for four months, day and night, to dismantle Hezbollah's complex and significant infrastructure, with the Chief of Staff closely monitoring the progress.

Dozens of Hezbollah operatives were eliminated and significant intelligence and physical spoils were captured during the operation. Israeli military estimates suggest around 50 operatives were in the area; some attempted to flee and were killed, while others died within the tunnels. Military sources clarified that no Iranian operatives were present in the tunnels and that any Hezbollah fighter could have surrendered but chose to fight.

Israeli military officials described the fighting in this complex terrain as the most intense in any sector over the past three years, attributing the decisive outcome to the fighters' determination. Following the operation, Israeli forces will establish a new security line in southern Lebanon, referred to as the 'Yellow Line.' The military emphasized that they do not intend to withdraw from southern Lebanon and will eliminate any operative approaching this new line.