Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered a strong message to Hezbollah and Iran today (Friday) from his visit to the northern sector - hours after IDF forces completed the destruction of terrorist infrastructure in the Ali Taher Range in Lebanon.
The Chief of Staff was accompanied by the Commander of the Northern Command, Major General Rafi Milo, and the Commander of the 36th Division, Brigadier General Yiftach Norkin.
The visit took place after last night IDF forces, under the division's command, completed the destruction of Hezbollah's underground hideouts in the area.
Eyal Zamir: "Tonight we destroyed the underground terror infrastructure in the Ali Taher Ridge, following the neutralization of the tunnel network in the Beaufort Ridge, here behind me. This is part of a vast array that was dug over years with enormous investment - Hezbollah's central command, control and combat infrastructure, which was built with Iranian assistance. Among other things, our forces located advanced Iranian-made weapons within the sites, intended to strike IDF forces and northern communities.".
The Chief of Staff blamed the terrorist organization: "After the Hamas attack on October 7, Hezbollah was the one who initiated and launched the war against Israel on the northern front. Hezbollah is fighting and destroying Lebanon - on behalf of the Iranian regime.".
""Every village where a terrorist infrastructure is established and terrorists reside in it puts itself at risk. Look at what happened in Qantara and Majdal Zun: entire villages were damaged because an underground terrorist city was built under the homes of civilians. Look at what happened in the Ali Taher Ridge - how many resources Hezbollah invested on the backs of the citizens of Lebanon, resources that went down the drain.".
The Chief of Staff made it clear: "After the severe blow that Hezbollah suffered, we will not allow it to restore its capabilities and reestablish itself in the region. We will defend our communities at all costs - the IDF stands as a buffer on the front line. Any attack on the northern communities or on the IDF forces defending the communities will be responded to immediately and forcefully. The Lebanese army must demonstrate effectiveness on the ground. Otherwise, it will not be possible to advance the agreement signed between the Israeli government and Lebanon.".
Zamir said: "The mission I assigned to the forces was clear: to destroy the infrastructure on the Ali Taher ridge by Rosh Hashanah eve, and to redeploy in the area. The yellow line remained under our full control and unchanged. We conducted continuous situation assessments to ensure that the mission could be accomplished while taking utmost care to ensure the safety of our forces.".
""We jointly activated all of the IDF's intelligence, operational, ground, air and logistical capabilities. Our forces stood by the mission thanks to their courage and determination, and while adhering to the mission and constantly striving for a decision, in light of the goal.".
""I would like to express deep and special appreciation to the Commando Brigade and the Egoz, Maglan and Yahalam units. The Commando Brigade fully fulfilled its mission as a special missions brigade. Together with them, the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade and other forces operated on the front line on the ridge and in the depths of the underground.
""We also remember those who fell and were wounded while fighting to achieve our goals. This achievement is primarily theirs. With the arrival of the new year, the entire IDF stands guard over our country - from the Chief of Staff to the last soldier, at the frontline posts, in the headquarters and in the battalion headquarters.".
""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. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all the House of Israel.".
