IDF Chief Visits South Lebanon, Urges Lebanese Army to Remove Hezbollah Threats

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted an operational tour and assessment on Sunday at the Bofor Ridge in southern Lebanon. He was accompanied by Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and commanders of divisions and brigades active in the area. During the visit, Zamir inspected an underground tunnel system carved deep into the mountain, previously used by Hezbollah as a command post and firing position.

Zamir described the Bofor area as a heavily controlled zone filled with terrorist infrastructure. He stated that Hezbollah, backed and directed by Iran, has spent decades constructing significant underground tunnels threatening northern Israeli communities. He emphasized that Israeli forces currently control key surface areas and these subterranean routes.

Regarding the ceasefire agreement, Zamir clarified that the responsibility now lies with the Lebanese Army to fulfill its historic commitment by clearing Hezbollah militants and terror infrastructure from the area. Meanwhile, the IDF will continue determined operations to eliminate threats from Lebanese territory and is prepared to launch a rapid offensive if the ceasefire is violated.

Zamir praised the performance of the 36th Division and ground forces, noting their offensive actions, crossing of the Litani River, and successful surprise attacks against Hezbollah. He credited the ceasefire agreement to the soldiers’ efforts and Northern Command’s leadership, highlighting that Hezbollah has been weakened, exhausted, and defeated in every engagement with Israeli troops.

Concluding, Zamir stressed that the IDF remains alert and ready to immediately respond to any threat against its forces or northern communities, continuing to protect residents in accordance with the ceasefire’s principles and mechanisms.