IDF Plans Response to Hezbollah Drone Attack, Eyes Tunnels in Ali Taher Ridge

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to respond to a Hezbollah explosive drone attack that targeted an Israeli engineering vehicle in the Ali Taher Ridge area of southern Lebanon overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. This incident constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. The IDF is considering striking Hezbollah tunnels in the Ali Taher Ridge, where dozens of militants have been entrenched for a long time, but is awaiting political approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited southern Lebanon alongside Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo, 91st Division Commander Brigadier General Yuval Gaz, and other senior officers. Zamir emphasized the IDF’s readiness for any change in the situation and a wide range of scenarios. He highlighted recent military achievements against Iran and stated, "If required, we will deepen these achievements." Although Zamir did not explicitly mention the drone attack, he warned that detonating tunnels in the area could lead to a rapid return to fighting in Lebanon.

During his visit, Zamir met with fighters and commanders of the Kfir Brigade, who recently began maneuvers in southern Lebanon after extended combat in Gaza. Zamir praised their combat readiness and leadership, urging them to remain alert and ready for swift offensive operations. He also called for expanding the IDF’s combat forces to meet growing operational demands across Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank.

The drone attack damaged the engineering vehicle but caused no casualties. The IDF confirmed that Hezbollah launched the explosive drone, marking the first such attack since the ceasefire, which until now had seen only reconnaissance drones deployed by Hezbollah. The IDF vowed to continue operations in the ridge area to prevent terrorist activities and maintain security in northern Israel.

This development underscores ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and the IDF’s strategic focus on neutralizing Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure to ensure long-term security for Israeli communities in the north.