IDF Destroys Hezbollah's Ali Taher Ridge With 1,100 Tons

The IDF released exclusive footage from inside Hezbollah's tunnel network beneath the Ali Taher Ridge, one day after completing the destruction of the massive underground complex. The videos show soldiers navigating narrow, branching tunnels and reveal equipment and weapons stored throughout the facility.

Defense officials described the Ali Taher operation as one of the most complex the IDF has undertaken in recent years, spanning approximately three months as part of a broader four-month campaign. Forces crossed the Litani River and executed a series of deception maneuvers designed to surprise Hezbollah and systematically dismantle its defensive positions in the area.

The operation began with a sophisticated crossing of the Litani River along a concealed, flanking route while Hezbollah remained convinced the IDF intended to cross at Saluki. Golani reconnaissance fighters cleared the area before attacking the "Lava Carver" infrastructure from the rear, stunning Hezbollah completely. Soldiers found abandoned bags belonging to terrorists who had fled in panic.

At that stage, forces began addressing the underground infrastructure, where terrorists attempted to fight from the depths but retreated under heavy pressure. The troops then launched a direct assault on the Ali Taher Ridge itself, the beating heart and command headquarters of the organization, where unique combat equipment and additional sensitive materials were seized.

The military emphasized that contrary to various reports, there were not hundreds of terrorists in the complex, nor were any Iranians or Iranian experts found there. Military sources added that the terrorists could have exited the complex and surrendered but chose not to. When IDF forces finally entered the tunnels themselves, they discovered bodies of terrorists killed during the operation.

Defense officials revealed that a total of 5,410 meters of underground passages were destroyed using 1,100 tons of explosives. "Bringing in such a massive quantity of explosives under constant threat from explosive drones required supreme courage from the Commando Brigade and Yahalom Unit," defense sources stated. "This was the most complex terrain we've dealt with in perhaps all three years of the war. We significantly improved security thanks to the persistence of our forces, local initiatives, and advanced combat techniques."

The IDF clarified that completing the operation will not lead to withdrawal from the area. "The yellow line is the line," military sources said, explaining that forces will now reorganize, but the IDF will continue to control and enforce its presence along the line. For now, no changes are planned in the deployment of the two divisions in the area.

Forces from Division 36, the Commando Formation, and Yahalom Unit completed the large-scale operation on the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, detonating more than 1,100 tons of explosives, destroying the headquarters of the Badr Unit, and eliminating numerous terrorists who had fortified themselves in deep terror tunnels.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the IDF has completed its hold on the security zone in southern Lebanon following the capture of the strategic Ali Taher Ridge. The minister made clear that "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout all of Lebanon and the threats against Galilee residents are removed."