IDF Chief Visits South Lebanon's Bofor Ridge, Warns Hezbollah and Lebanese Army

On July 5, 2026, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted an operational tour and assessment at the strategic Bofor Ridge in southern Lebanon. Accompanied by Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and 36th Division Commander Brigadier General Yiftah Nurkin, Zamir inspected Hezbollah's extensive underground infrastructure beneath the mountain, which has been developed over decades with Iranian funding and guidance. He described the area as a terror stronghold containing command centers and firing positions threatening northern Israeli communities.

Zamir emphasized that the IDF currently controls key surface areas and the underground tunnels, signaling a shift in responsibility to the Lebanese Army to enforce the recently signed ceasefire agreement. He issued a direct warning to Beirut and Tehran, stating that Israel will not tolerate delays in implementing the agreement and expects the Lebanese military to clear Hezbollah operatives and terror infrastructure from the zone.

The Chief of Staff also stressed that the IDF remains ready to respond immediately to any threats against Israeli forces or settlements, with clear orders to neutralize such dangers and the capability to rapidly resume offensive operations if the ceasefire is violated. Zamir praised the 36th Division, including Golani, Commando, and Brigade 7 units, as well as the engineering troops, highlighting their offensive maneuvers beyond the Litani River that led to the ceasefire. He credited their battlefield successes with weakening Hezbollah, which now relies heavily on Iranian support after repeated defeats in engagements with Israeli forces.