IDF Northern Command: No Retreat from Ali Taher Ridge, Presence Will Be Enforced
The IDF Northern Command clarified on Friday that the Israeli military has not retreated from the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, despite completing its mission to destroy terrorist infrastructure there. "There is no intention to retreat. The yellow line is the line, and we will enforce our presence. We will reorganize our forces there now that the mission is complete," stated officials from the command. The military has not yet presented the revised defense line to the political echelon, but Northern Command sources indicated that any changes would be tactical and aimed at preserving the operational achievement.
Recent days have seen diplomatic messages exchanged between Beirut and Jerusalem, mediated by the United States, intended to de-escalate tensions. Israel conveyed that its operation on the Ali Taher ridge was solely to dismantle terrorist infrastructure that threatened northern Israeli communities and disrupted Lebanese civilian life. Reports indicate that mayors in southern Lebanon have begun appealing to Hezbollah to remove weapons from their towns and have obstructed the organization's activities, fearing Israeli strikes on civilian areas.
Lebanese sources told Walla that while the Lebanese army is acting against Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives in the area as per an agreement, Israel expects accelerated action. The IDF Chief of Staff, during a visit to the Northern Command, praised the soldiers' efforts and conveyed a message to the Lebanese army: to implement the memorandum of understanding between Lebanon and Israel, the Lebanese army must counter Hezbollah's activities, collect weaponry, destroy existing infrastructure, and prevent the organization's re-establishment.
Northern Command officers described the Ali Taher ridge operation as highly complex, with its success sending a clear message to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. They warned that if the Lebanese army fails to act according to understandings, the IDF will take necessary measures to prevent the establishment or maintenance of terrorist infrastructure threatening northern Israel. Estimates suggest the IDF engaged approximately 50 Hezbollah operatives on the ridge, with most neutralized, while some fled to Beirut. Senior officers reported that at least ten operatives attempting to reinforce or rescue their comrades were killed, and supply packages were also intercepted. The underground tunnels revealed the bodies of operatives, completing the intelligence picture.
