IDF Vows to Maintain Presence on Mount Tahar Ridge, Not Retreat

Northern Command officials have clarified that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw from the Mount Tahar ridge, 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 on Friday. The military's 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.

Discussions between Jerusalem and Beirut, mediated by the United States, have taken place recently to de-escalate tensions. Israel conveyed that its operation on Mount Tahar was intended to dismantle terrorist infrastructure threatening northern Israel and disrupting civilian life in Lebanon. Notably, mayors in southern Lebanon have reportedly approached Hezbollah, demanding the removal of weapons from their areas and preventing the organization's activities due to fears of Israeli strikes.

Lebanese sources told Walla that the Lebanese army is acting against Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives in the region, as per an understanding between the sides, but is expected to accelerate its efforts. The IDF Chief of Staff, during a visit to Northern Command, praised the soldiers' actions and sent a message to the Lebanese army: to implement the memorandum of understanding, the Lebanese army must oppose Hezbollah's activities, collect weapons, destroy existing infrastructure, and prevent the organization's re-establishment.

Northern Command officers described the Mount Tahar operation as highly complex, emphasizing that its success signals to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government that if the Lebanese army does not act, the IDF will prevent the establishment or maintenance of terrorist infrastructure threatening northern Israeli communities. Estimates suggest the IDF engaged approximately 50 Hezbollah operatives on the ridge, with most neutralized. Some fled to Beirut, while others attempting to reinforce or extract wounded were also targeted. Senior officers noted that supplies were also blocked, and the underground infrastructure revealed the extent of Hezbollah's presence.