IDF Chief of Staff Warns Hezbollah After Destroying Terror Infrastructure

The Israeli military's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, visited the northern border on Friday following the completion of operations to destroy Hezbollah's underground terror infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge. During his visit, Kochavi issued a stern warning to the terror organization and its Iranian backers, stating that any harm to northern Israeli communities or IDF forces would be met with an immediate and powerful response.

Kochavi detailed that the operation, which followed the neutralization of the tunnel network on the Beaufort ridge, targeted a vast system of tunnels dug over years with significant investment. He described these tunnels as Hezbollah's central command, control, and combat infrastructure, built with Iranian assistance. Advanced Iranian-made weapons intended to strike IDF forces and northern communities were discovered within these sites.

"Hezbollah is fighting and destroying Lebanon, on behalf of the Iranian regime," Kochavi stated, emphasizing that Israel will not permit the terror group to rebuild its capabilities or re-establish itself in the area. He reiterated that Israel would defend its communities at all costs, with the IDF serving as the frontline defense. He also warned that any village where terror infrastructure is established and terrorists are present endangers itself, noting that entire areas have been damaged in villages where underground Hezbollah infrastructure was built beneath civilian homes, creating an "underground city of terror."

The visit included the commander of the Northern Command, Major General Rafi Milo, and the commander of the 36th Division, Brigadier General Yiftah Nurkin. Kochavi commended the forces involved in the operation, including the Commando Brigade, Egoz, Maglan, and Yahalom units, along with elements from the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade, and other forces operating on the front line and deep underground.

Looking ahead to the Jewish New Year, Kochavi expressed confidence in the IDF's readiness, stating, "The entire IDF stands guard over our country, from the Chief of Staff to the last soldier, on the front line outposts, in the command centers, and in the situation rooms." He added, "May this be a year of strengthening our security, a year of victory on all fronts."