IDF Destroys Hezbollah Underground Network in South Lebanon

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited Division 36's operational area Friday alongside Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin and Division 36 commander Brig. Gen. Yiftach Norkin. The visit followed the completion overnight of IDF forces' destruction of Hezbollah's underground tunnel network in the Ali Taher ridge area.

"Last night we destroyed the underground terror infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge, continuing the neutralization of the tunnel network in the Beaufort ridge behind me," Eyal Zamir stated during the visit. "This is part of a massive system dug over years with enormous investment, Hezbollah's central command, control and combat infrastructure, built with Iranian assistance."

The chief of staff revealed that IDF forces discovered advanced Iranian-manufactured weaponry inside the sites, intended for use against IDF forces and northern Israeli communities. Zamir emphasized that following Hamas's October 7 attack, it was Hezbollah that initiated and opened war against Israel on the northern front. "Hezbollah is fighting and destroying Lebanon, on behalf of the Iranian regime," he stressed.

Zamir issued a stark warning to villages in southern Lebanon: "Any village where terror infrastructure is established and terrorists are present, endangers itself. Look what happened in Qantara and Majdal Zoun: entire villages were damaged because beneath civilian homes an underground terror city was built. Look what happened at the Ali Taher ridge, how many resources Hezbollah invested on the backs of Lebanese civilians, resources that went down the drain."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in the North (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

"After the severe blow Hezbollah suffered, we will not allow it to rebuild its capabilities and re-establish itself in the area," the chief of staff declared. "We will defend our communities at any cost, the IDF stands as a buffer on the front. Any attack on northern communities or on IDF forces defending the communities will be answered immediately and forcefully."

Zamir directed a clear message to the Lebanese army: "The Lebanese army must show effectiveness in the field. Otherwise, it will not be possible to advance the agreement signed between the government of Israel and Lebanon." The chief of staff emphasized that "the Yellow Line remains under our full control without change."

Zamir detailed that in recent weeks the IDF conducted extensive military operations in the sector, led by Northern Command under Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, Division 36 and the combat brigades. "The mission I assigned to the forces was clear: destroy the infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge by Rosh Hashanah eve, and redeploy in the area," he stated.

The chief of staff expressed special appreciation for the Commando Brigade and the Egoz, Maglan and Yahalom units. "The Commando Brigade fully realized its purpose as a brigade for special missions. Together with them operated forces from the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade and additional forces who operated on the forward front line on the ridge and in the underground depths," he noted.

"We also remember those who fell and were wounded while fighting to achieve our objectives. This achievement is primarily theirs," Zamir said. "With the entry of the new year, the entire IDF stands guard over our country, from the chief of staff to the last soldier, in the front-line posts, in headquarters and in command centers. May this be a year of strengthening our security, a year of victory on all fronts. It is a great privilege for us to be the defenders of the people and the land."