IDF Chief of Staff Tours Southern Lebanon After Tunnel Destruction

Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi visited southern Lebanon on Friday, touring the area of Division 36. He was accompanied by Major General Rafi Milo, commander of the Northern Command, and Brigadier General Yiftah Nurkin, commander of Division 36.

Kochavi stated that the IDF had destroyed underground terror infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge, following the neutralization of tunnel networks in the Beaufort ridge. He described these as part of a vast system dug over years with significant investment, serving as Hezbollah's central command, control, and fighting infrastructure, built with Iranian assistance. Advanced Iranian-made materiel intended to harm IDF forces and northern Israeli communities was found within these sites.

The visit occurred after IDF forces completed the destruction of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the area. Kochavi asserted that Hezbollah initiated the conflict on the northern front and is destroying Lebanon on behalf of the Iranian regime. He warned that any village harboring terrorists and terror infrastructure endangers itself, citing damage to entire villages like Qantara and Majdal Zoun where underground terror cities were built beneath civilian homes.

Kochavi emphasized that after the severe blow Hezbollah sustained, Israel will not allow it to rebuild its capabilities or re-establish itself in the area. He vowed to protect Israeli communities at all costs, stating the IDF stands as a barrier on the front line. Any harm to northern communities or IDF forces defending them will be met with an immediate and powerful response. He also called on the Lebanese army to demonstrate effectiveness on the ground, warning that otherwise, progress on the agreement between the Israeli government and Lebanon would be impossible.

Kochavi added that his mission to the forces was to destroy the infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge by Rosh Hashanah and redeploy in the area. He confirmed that the "blue line" remains under full Israeli control without change. He detailed continuous situation assessments to ensure mission completion while prioritizing force security, utilizing integrated intelligence, operational, ground, air, and logistical capabilities. He credited the forces' success to their courage, determination, and commitment to achieving victory.