Defense Minister Declares Lebanon Tunnel Destruction Complete

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the successful destruction of Hezbollah's terror tunnels in the Ali Taher ridge area of southern Lebanon. Speaking on Friday, Katz stated that the tunnels, which had been developed over 15 years with Iranian backing as a forward stronghold to attack northern Israel and defend the city of Nabatieh, have been demolished by the IDF.

Katz praised the soldiers for their "supreme heroism and daring" in fighting under difficult conditions to complete the mission, emphasizing that "not everything can be told." He confirmed that the enemy was eliminated and the tunnels destroyed, fulfilling Israel's promise to protect residents of the north.

He explained that the IDF had been instructed at the start of the campaign to maneuver into Lebanon up to the Litani River line to neutralize threats of raids and direct fire on Israeli communities. The defense minister asserted that this objective has been achieved, creating a security zone from the coast to the foothills of Mount Hermon.

Katz further detailed that the IDF is currently operating within Lebanon, destroying all tunnels and dismantling structures used by Hezbollah as strongholds. The Ali Taher ridge tunnels, he noted, were particularly significant as they were filled with ammunition and threatening equipment, including a cannon aimed at Israeli aircraft, all intended to menace the Galilee and IDF soldiers.

The minister concluded by stating that Israel has established a robust security zone, stronger than ever before, which defends settlements from attack and direct fire, allowing Israel to control and threaten Hezbollah deep within Lebanese territory. He affirmed that Israel is prepared for the continuation of the campaign and further strikes against Hezbollah.