Israel Vows Destruction for Any Approaching Ali Taher Ridge

Following the destruction of Hezbollah's terror infrastructure and the elimination of operatives on the strategic Ali Taher ridge, Israeli forces are preparing for tight operational control of the area. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Lebanon, declaring the ridge part of Israel's "red line" and security zone.

Katz emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not withdraw until Hezbollah is fully disarmed. "Anyone who approaches the ridge will be destroyed," he stated, underscoring the area's importance for the security of northern Israel. He defined the security zone as encompassing 700 square kilometers, stretching from the coast to the Beaufort Castle and the Mount Hermon region.

The Defense Minister reiterated the government's firm policy, stating, "We are not moving from the security zone, and the IDF will not retreat or redeploy until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon." This declaration aligns with previous statements made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz himself.

Security officials clarified that the operation to dismantle infrastructure on the ridge is not the end of the mission. Forces will continue to operate aggressively throughout the security zone, targeting terrorists and neutralizing underground and above-ground terror infrastructure to eliminate threats to Israeli forces and northern communities.