Joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz:
In accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister, the IDF has now destroyed Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher Ridge, thereby completing the establishment of the security zone in southern Lebanon.
This was strategic terrorist infrastructure built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The terrorist infrastructure and command center on the ridge were intended to serve as a base for the conquest of the Galilee and provided observation and fire control over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher Ridge—above and below ground.
IDF forces are preparing to defend the area and prevent the enemy from returning to the territory.
The IDF will remain in the security zone, continue destroying terrorist infrastructure, and thwart any attempt by Hezbollah to reestablish itself and rebuild its capabilities.
The State of Israel will continue to defend the communities of northern Israel from within Lebanon, and any attempt to harm our civilians or our forces will be met with force.