The IDF destroyed Hezbollah's terror tunnels in the Ali Taher Ridge this evening (Thursday).
In southern Lebanon, a huge explosion was reported, causing reactions that were similar to an earthquake. The Israeli Geological Survey even issued a statement stating that "the seismic event warning system in the southern Lebanon region - this is a controlled explosion.".
After the explosion of the compound, the army is briefing that the IDF is preparing for a number of scenarios, including multi-scene ones. In light of the activity, the IDF has been alerted and is on very high alert. Both the Northern Command and the Air Force are prepared to operate and take action if necessary. Israel is preparing for the possibility of several days of combat.
A joint statement from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense stated: "The IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Ali Taher Ridge, thus completing the organization of the security zone in southern Lebanon.".
""This is a strategic terrorist infrastructure that was built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning. The terrorist infrastructure and headquarters on the ridge were intended to serve as a base for the conquest of the Galilee and controlled observation and fire on Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge - above and below ground.".
""IDF forces are preparing for defense in the area and preventing the enemy from returning to the area.".
""The IDF will remain in the security zone, continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure and thwart any attempt by the terrorist organization Hezbollah to reestablish itself and restore its capabilities.".
""The State of Israel will continue to defend the northern communities from within Lebanon - and any attempt to harm our citizens and forces will be met with force.".
Defense Minister Katz added alongside a video of the explosion: ""We promised and we kept our promise. The terrorists were eliminated and the Ali Taher tunnels were destroyed. All the best to the IDF.".
The IDF stated that "IDF forces have completed the destruction of the underground bunkers in the Ali Taher Ridge area after the forces recently achieved operational control of the ridge area above and below ground.".
""Today, after a lengthy preparatory activity, Division 36 forces destroyed the underground bunkers in the Ali Taher Ridge area, located in the security zone, in order to definitively neutralize the ability of the Hezbollah terrorist organization to plan and implement, from the infrastructure, terrorist plots against the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF forces.".
An IDF spokesman said at the Ali Taher Ridge: "Hezbollah failed and abandoned its men to die inside. All the terrorists were eliminated or fled.".
To destroy the tunnels, the IDF used more than 1,100 tons of explosives. There were eight underground tunnels at the site, which were more than 5,400 meters long. Various types of weapons were found in the tunnels, including dozens of explosive drones, UAVs, machine guns and anti-tank missiles, as well as hundreds of mines, RPG rockets and explosive devices.
As reported last week, a central command complex of the Badr unit was located in the underground infrastructure, containing command posts, weapons rooms, and living quarters that allowed the terrorists to conduct the fighting and stay there for long periods. This is a strategic infrastructure that was built over two decades, financed and planned by the Iranian terrorist regime.
Even before the announcement of the destruction of the terror infrastructure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an implicit threat to Iran and Hezbollah this evening. "President Trump announced tonight that Iran is trying to arm itself with nuclear weapons again, that's true," he said. "Now we are dealing with the Ali Taher Ridge. More to come.".
