The IDF on Thursday carried out the planned destruction of Hezbollah’s extensive underground infrastructure beneath the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, setting off massive explosions that were heard across wide areas of northern Israel as Jerusalem simultaneously raised its readiness for a possible response from Hezbollah or Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the operation destroyed strategic Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure built over roughly two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The underground network and command center were designed to serve as a base for Hezbollah’s planned conquest of the Galilee while providing observation and fire control over Metula and Kiryat Shmona.
“This was strategic terror infrastructure built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“The terror infrastructure and the command center on the ridge were designed to serve as the staging base for the conquest of the Galilee, and had observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge – above and below ground.”
The IDF said troops from the 36th Division had spent recent weeks clearing the sprawling underground complex and establishing operational control over the ridge both above and below ground. The tunnels contained command centers, weapons rooms, generator rooms, living areas, showers and a kitchen. Israeli officials said the latest destruction completes operational control of the Ali Taher Ridge, with IDF forces preparing to defend the area and prevent Hezbollah from returning.
The dramatic operation comes amid heightened Israeli concern over a possible retaliatory move. During security assessments Thursday, officials explicitly discussed the possibility that Iran could choose to take offensive action following Israel’s activity at the ridge. Senior Israeli officials said a decision was made to maintain heightened “alertness and readiness” over the coming Yomim Tovim. There is currently no intelligence indicating with certainty that an attack is imminent, and officials assess that a broad direct escalation with Iran remains unlikely.
Netanyahu, speaking earlier at the Kosel, also addressed the Iranian threat and Israel’s continued operations against the Iranian axis. After referring to Iran’s efforts to restore its nuclear capabilities, he said Israel was striking the Iranian axis in Gaza and Lebanon, adding that Israeli forces had destroyed the Beaufort Ridge and were now dealing with the Ali Taher Ridge. Netanyahu concluded with a pointed message: “More to come.”
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
One Response
Protecting the lives of the people who live in Metula and Kiryat Shmona is not just a government’s responsibility; it is a sacred obligation. When a threat exists, it must be removed. The idea that a nation should tolerate infrastructure designed for its destruction is absurd. This is not about escalation; it is about self-preservation and justice for those who call that land home.