IDF Chief of Staff Warns Hezbollah, Iran from Northern Border

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited the 36th Division on the northern border following the completion of an operation to destroy a Hezbollah tunnel complex in the Ali Taher ridge. Halevi revealed that the infrastructure was built over years with Iranian assistance and issued a stern warning to Hezbollah and Iran.

During his visit, Halevi stated, "Any harm to northern communities will be met with great force. The 'yellow line' remains under our full control." He explained that the destroyed underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge served as Hezbollah's central command, control, and combat hub. This operation follows the neutralization of a tunnel network in the Beaufort ridge.

Halevi emphasized that Hezbollah initiated the northern front after the October 7th attacks and accused the organization of "fighting and destroying Lebanon on behalf of the Iranian regime." He asserted that any village where terror infrastructure is established becomes a military target, citing examples like Qantara, Majdal Zoun, and Ali Taher where entire villages were impacted due to the underground terror city built beneath civilian homes.

The IDF Chief of Staff declared that Israel would not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities and would defend its communities at any cost. He confirmed that the objective to destroy the terror infrastructure by Rosh Hashanah was achieved through the combined efforts of intelligence, air force, ground, and logistical forces. Halevi specifically praised the commandos, Egoz, Maglan, and Yahalom units, along with the Golani Brigade, 7th Brigade, and other forces involved in the operation.

Concluding his remarks for the new year, Halevi stated, "As the new year begins, the entire IDF stands guard over our land... May this be a year of strengthening our security, a year of victory on all fronts. It is a great privilege for us to be the defenders of the people and the land."