Israel Vows to Control Ali Tahir Ridge, Threatens Hezbollah

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hezbollah on Sunday, declaring that Israel is preparing to take control of the Ali Tahir Ridge in southern Lebanon. "The ridge is part of the 'blue line' and Israel's security zone in Lebanon," Katz stated, adding that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are set to "take control of the ridge and prevent any attempt by Hezbollah or any other element to re-establish itself there. Anyone who approaches will be destroyed."

Katz emphasized that the Ali Tahir Ridge spans 700 square kilometers, extending from the coast in the west, through the Beaufort Castle, to the Mount Hermon area in the east. He reiterated the government's stance, previously articulated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that Israel will not withdraw from its security zone. The IDF will not retreat or redeploy until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon.

The Defense Minister affirmed that the IDF will continue to operate forcefully in the security zone, targeting terrorists and their infrastructure both above and below ground, and eliminating any threats to Israeli forces from any location.