Defense Minister Israel Katz: “The capture of the Ali Taher ridge marks the completion of our hold on the security zone in southern Lebanon. After maneuvering to the Litani line and capturing the Beaufort, with the IDF establishing itself on the ridge that dominates and protects the eastern Galilee communities, we decided to maneuver toward the Ali Taher ridge based on intelligence about Hezbollah command and control tunnels at the site. The Ali Taher tunnels served as a command center for attacks on our forces and the Galilee region, and also functioned as the last dominant outpost defending the Nabatieh area—so important to Hezbollah—hence their strategic significance.”
“The IDF operated on the ridge under difficult terrain conditions, both in attack and in defense of our forces. I closely followed the activity on the ridge, including contact with forces in the field, and was deeply impressed by their commitment to the mission. We imposed heavy secrecy on the operation’s details out of concern for the safety of our forces. I salute the determination of the IDF command and the bravery of the fighters. In a complex and methodical operation, the mission was completed, and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists.”
“Now the IDF will complete the neutralization of the tunnels and prepare tactically to hold the ridge and prevent the enemy from re-establishing itself in the area. Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a clear and uncompromising line, implemented daily by the IDF: Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats to Galilee residents are removed. The capture of Ali Taher is an important step in achieving this goal.”