IDF Chief of Staff: Hezbollah's Underground Terror Infrastructure Destroyed

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, visited the 36th Division area on Friday following the completion of operations to destroy Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge. Halevi stated that the IDF had destroyed the underground terror infrastructure in the area, continuing efforts that previously neutralized tunnel networks in the Beaufort ridge. He described the destroyed infrastructure as a vast system built over years with significant investment, serving as Hezbollah's central command, control, and fighting network, reportedly aided by Iran.

During the visit, Halevi revealed that IDF forces had discovered advanced Iranian-made weapons within these sites, intended to harm Israeli forces and northern communities. He emphasized that Hezbollah initiated the conflict on the northern front after the October 7th Hamas attack, accusing the organization of destroying Lebanon on behalf of the Iranian regime.

Halevi issued a stern warning to southern Lebanese villages, stating that any village hosting terror infrastructure or militants endangers itself. He cited previous operations in Qantara and Majdal Zoun, where entire villages were affected due to underground terror cities built beneath civilian homes. He reiterated that Hezbollah's investment in the Ali Taher ridge was wasted.

"After the severe blow Hezbollah sustained, we will not allow it to rebuild its capabilities and re-establish itself in the area," Halevi declared. He pledged to protect Israeli communities at all costs, stating the IDF stands as a barrier on the front line and that any harm to northern communities or defending IDF forces would be met with an immediate and powerful response.

Halevi also directed a clear message to the Lebanese army, urging it to demonstrate effectiveness on the ground, otherwise, progress on an agreement between Israel and Lebanon would be hindered. He confirmed that the 'blue line' remains under full Israeli control without change. The IDF chief detailed extensive military operations in recent weeks led by the Northern Command, the 36th Division, and combat brigades, with the objective to destroy the Ali Taher ridge infrastructure before Rosh Hashanah and redeploy in the area.

He expressed special appreciation to the Commando Brigade and the Egoz, Maglan, and Yahalom units for their role, alongside forces from the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade, and others who operated on the front lines and in underground depths. Halevi remembered those who fell and were injured during these operations, attributing the achievement to them. He concluded by stating that the entire IDF stands guard for Israel as the new year begins, wishing for a year of strengthened security and victory on all fronts.