IDF Reoccupies Strategic Bofor Ridge in Lebanon After 26 Years Amid New Security Reality

Twenty-six years after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrew from Lebanon, Israeli troops have returned to the Bofor Ridge, a key strategic site overlooking the Galilee Panhandle. This area, which had been under Hezbollah control, was retaken as part of the recent conflict and is now held by the IDF’s 36th Division, including Golani Brigade’s 12th Battalion and the 75th Armored Battalion. The ridge, standing over 700 meters above sea level, commands vital areas including the Ayun Valley and several northern Israeli communities such as Metula and Tel Hai.

The region has undergone significant changes since the last Israeli withdrawal, with many Lebanese villages destroyed during fighting and Hezbollah constructing an extensive underground tunnel network with Iranian support. These tunnels, some over a kilometer long and equipped with weapons storage, command centers, and medical facilities, were designed to protect Hezbollah forces and enable prolonged combat against Israeli advances.

During the recent military operation, IDF forces uncovered and destroyed parts of this subterranean infrastructure. The capture of Bofor followed intense battles in nearby villages and a surprise crossing of the Litani River, which disrupted Hezbollah’s defensive lines. According to the IDF, approximately 690 Hezbollah militants, including commanders, were killed, and critical Iranian-backed military installations were damaged.

IDF commanders emphasized that the current phase focuses on defense and readiness for any scenario to protect northern Israeli communities. The lessons from the October 7 attacks have reshaped Israel’s northern border defense strategy, aiming to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing terrorist infrastructure near the border. The return to Bofor symbolizes a shift from past withdrawal to a new security posture in the region.

Summary: After 26 years, the IDF has reoccupied the strategic Bofor Ridge in southern Lebanon following recent fighting, uncovering extensive Hezbollah tunnels and reinforcing northern Israel’s defense against future threats.

Points: - IDF retakes Bofor Ridge after 26 years as part of recent Lebanon conflict. - Hezbollah built extensive Iranian-backed tunnels beneath Bofor for defense and prolonged combat. - IDF uncovered and destroyed key tunnel infrastructure during operations. - About 690 Hezbollah militants were killed, including commanders. - IDF now focuses on defense and readiness to protect northern Israeli communities. - Lessons from October 7 attacks have transformed northern border defense strategy.

Topic: security

Entities: {"people": ["Yiftach Nurkin"], "organizations": ["Israel Defense Forces", "Golani Brigade", "Hezbollah", "Iranian forces"], "places": ["Bofor Ridge", "Lebanon", "Galilee Panhandle", "Metula", "Litani River", "Ayun Valley"]}