The Israeli military has demolished an underground Hezbollah network stretching more than 2 kilometers beneath the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, where troops have established operational control both above and below ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced. The operation by the IDF’s 36th Division followed extensive preparations and targeted facilities Israel said Hezbollah had developed over two decades with Iranian financing and planning.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the destruction of the network marked the completion of Israel’s security zone in southern Lebanon.
According to their joint statement, Hezbollah intended to use the infrastructure and a command post on the ridge as a base for a planned conquest of the Galilee. The location also enabled the group to conduct direct observation and fire toward the northern Israeli communities of Metula and Kiryat Shmona.
Weapons discovered throughout the underground network included dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and UAVs. Israeli troops also located machine guns, dozens of anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of mines and explosive devices.
Among the facilities uncovered beneath the ridge was a central command complex belonging to Hezbollah’s Badr Unit, the IDF said. It contained operational command centers, weapons storage areas, and living quarters designed to allow Hezbollah terrorists to remain underground for extended periods while directing combat operations.
Israeli forces had secured operational control of the ridge before destroying the underground routes.
Netanyahu and Katz said troops were now preparing to defend the area and prevent Hezbollah from returning. The IDF will maintain its presence in the security zone, destroy remaining terrorist infrastructure, and act against efforts by Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities or establish itself again in the area, they said.
