Israel’s defense establishment is strengthening its forces’ hold on southern Lebanon following the destruction of Hezbollah terror tunnels in the Ali Taher Ridge area.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz addressed the preparations in southern Lebanon on Motzei Rosh Hashanah, saying: “Following the elimination of the terrorists and the destruction of Hezbollah’s terror tunnels along the Ali Taher Ridge, the IDF is operationally preparing to control the ridge and prevent any attempt by Hezbollah or any other party to return and establish a presence there.”

“Anyone who approaches the Ali Taher Ridge will be eliminated,” Katz warned.

Defining Israel’s policy in the area, Katz said: “The Ali Taher Ridge is part of the Yellow Line and Israel’s security zone in Lebanon, which encompasses 700 square kilometers, stretching from the Mediterranean coast in the west through Beaufort Castle and the Mount Hermon area in the east.

“As Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have repeatedly made clear, we are not leaving the security zone. The IDF will neither withdraw nor redeploy until Hezbollah has been disarmed throughout Lebanon.”

“The IDF will continue operating forcefully throughout the security zone, eliminating terrorists and terror infrastructure both above and below ground, and removing every threat to our forces—wherever it originates.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated on Motzei Yom Tov in Israel)