IDF Vows to Maintain Presence on Mount Har Dov After Operation

Northern Command officials have clarified that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from Mount Har Dov (also known as Ali Taher), despite completing its mission to destroy terrorist infrastructure in the area. "There is no intention to withdraw. The yellow line is the line, and we will enforce our presence. We will reorganize our forces there now that the mission is complete," sources in the command stated on Friday. The IDF General Staff has not yet presented the renewed defense line to the political echelon, but Northern Command sources indicated that any changes would be tactical and aimed at preserving the operational achievement.

In parallel, messages have been exchanged between Jerusalem and Beirut, mediated by the United States, to de-escalate tensions. Israel has emphasized that its operation on Mount Har Dov was intended to dismantle terrorist infrastructure threatening Israeli civilians and disrupting the lives of Lebanese citizens. Notably, local mayors in southern Lebanon have reportedly begun appealing to Hezbollah to remove weapons from their towns and have restricted the organization's activities, fearing Israeli strikes on civilian areas.

Lebanese sources told Walla that the Lebanese army is acting against Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives in the region, consistent with understandings between the two countries, but acknowledged that increased activity is expected. 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 uphold the memorandum of understanding, the Lebanese army must counter Hezbollah's activities, collect weapons, destroy existing infrastructure, and prevent the organization's re-establishment.

IDF officers described the operation on Mount Har Dov as highly complex, with the success sending a clear message to Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. They warned that if the Lebanese army fails to act, 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 Mount Har Dov, with most neutralized, while others fled or were killed attempting to reinforce their positions. The IDF also prevented the delivery of supplies and confirmed neutralizing operatives who attempted to reach the area.