IDF Chief of Staff Warns Lebanon Army on Border Deal Progress

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Division 36 in the Northern Command on Friday, accompanied by the head of the Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, and Division 36 commander, Brig. Gen. Yiftah Nurkin. The visit followed the completion of an operation by IDF forces, under the division's command, to destroy Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge late Thursday night. Zamir stated that this operation, which neutralized the tunnel network on the Beaufort ridge, was part of a long-term effort to dismantle Hezbollah's central command and control infrastructure, built over years with significant funding and Iranian support.

During the operation, forces discovered advanced Iranian-made weapons intended to target IDF soldiers and northern Israeli communities. Zamir also addressed the impact on Lebanese villages, citing damage to Qantara and Majdal Zoun caused by the construction of underground facilities beneath civilian homes. He asserted that the IDF would not allow Hezbollah to rebuild its infrastructure and capabilities in the area following this significant blow.

Zamir emphasized that any attack on Israeli forces or communities would be met with an immediate and powerful response. He further stated that progress on the agreement between Israel and Lebanon is contingent upon the Lebanese army effectively operating on the ground. The mission for the forces was to complete the destruction of infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge before Rosh Hashanah and redeploy in the sector, while maintaining full control of the 'blue line' border.

The operation involved intelligence, operational, aerial, logistical, and ground capabilities, with participation from the Commando Brigade, Egoz, Maglan, and Yahalom units, alongside the Golani Brigade, Armored Brigade 7, and other forces operating in the ridge and underground systems.