Israel's Defense Minister Warns Hezbollah Against Retaking Key Lebanese Ridge

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Hezbollah on Tuesday, stating that any attempt to reclaim the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon would be met with lethal force. Katz emphasized that the ridge is part of Israel's declared "yellow line" and security zone within Lebanon, encompassing approximately 700 square kilometers.

Katz declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intend to establish operational control over the area and will eliminate anyone who approaches the ridge. "After eliminating terrorists and destroying Hezbollah's terror tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge, the IDF is preparing to establish operational control over this area and to thwart any attempt by Hezbollah or any other force to return and re-establish themselves there. Anyone who approaches the Ali al-Taher ridge will be eliminated," Katz stated.

He further explained that Israel has no intention of withdrawing from this security zone, which extends from the coast through the Beaufort Castle area to Mount Hermon. The IDF will maintain its current deployment until Hezbollah is fully disarmed within Lebanon. Katz added that the IDF will continue to operate aggressively within the zone, targeting terrorists and their infrastructure both above and below ground, and neutralizing any threats to Israeli forces.

The operation to clear the Ali al-Taher ridge, including the destruction of an underground Hezbollah facility, was reportedly carried out under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz. The IDF has described the operation as the final stage in establishing a security zone in southern Lebanon.