IDF Chief Warns Hezbollah Defeated, Vows Immediate Strikes on Any Threats from Lebanon

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted a dramatic operational briefing on Sunday at the heart of Hezbollah's underground strongholds in the Bofor Ridge area, a strategic base used by the group for decades. Accompanied by Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and commanders of divisions and special units, Zamir toured the extensive tunnel network carved into the mountain, which served as command centers, firing positions, and launch sites threatening northern Israeli communities.

Zamir declared that the IDF now controls key surface areas and the underground passages beneath the ridge. He emphasized that Hezbollah, backed and funded by Iran, has built this threat over many years but is now exhausted and defeated in every encounter with Israeli forces. The IDF's ongoing operations by Division 36 aim to deepen the clearance of this complex tunnel system, recently uncovering Iranian-backed maps detailing plans to target Israeli towns such as Metula and western Galilee.

The tunnel network represents a central strategic asset designed by Iran to enable Hezbollah to conduct warfare from underground while shielding itself from airstrikes. Zamir issued a clear demand to the Lebanese government and army to fulfill their commitments under the historic ceasefire agreement by removing Hezbollah militants from the area. He warned that the IDF is prepared to swiftly resume offensive operations if the ceasefire is violated, stating, "Any threat against our forces or communities will be immediately attacked and eliminated."

Zamir praised the soldiers of Division 36 and Northern Command for their offensive actions, including crossing the Litani River and surprising the enemy. He highlighted the recent capture of the Bofor fortress, a symbolic and strategic victory that dealt a severe blow to Hezbollah morale. Concurrently, forces from the Givati Brigade operating north of the Litani neutralized militants attempting to launch explosive drones at Israeli troops. The IDF continues its campaign to destroy terror infrastructure and prevent threats to its soldiers in the region.