IDF Chief Declares Hezbollah Defeated After Securing Strategic Bofor Ridge

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted an operational briefing on Sunday at the Bofor Ridge, a long-standing Hezbollah stronghold. The visit included Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and commanders from various brigades and special units. They inspected extensive underground tunnels carved into the rock, which served as Hezbollah command centers, firing positions, and launch sites threatening northern Israeli communities.

Zamir stated that the Bofor area is saturated with terrorist infrastructure but emphasized that the IDF now controls key surface and subterranean areas. He described Hezbollah, backed and funded by Iran, as exhausted and defeated in every engagement with Israeli forces. The IDF’s ongoing operations by the 36th Division aim to clear the complex tunnel network beneath Bofor, where maps funded by the Iranian regime were discovered. These maps detailed the threat to western Galilee and Metula, highlighting Hezbollah’s detailed plans to target Israeli civilians.

The tunnel system, developed over years with Iranian support, was designed as a strategic asset to conduct warfare underground and protect Hezbollah fighters from airstrikes. Zamir issued a clear demand to the Lebanese government and army to fulfill their obligations under historic agreements by removing Hezbollah militants from the area. He warned that any threats to Israeli forces or communities would be met with immediate retaliation.

Zamir praised the 36th Division and Northern Command for their offensive operations, including crossing the Litani River and surprising the enemy. He credited the recent capture of the Bofor fortress and raising the Israeli flag there as a significant milestone that dealt a severe blow to Hezbollah morale. Concurrently, the Givati Brigade neutralized militants attempting to launch explosive drones against Israeli troops north of the Litani. The IDF continues its efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent threats to its soldiers.