Israel Declares Southern Lebanon Security Zone Complete Following Massive Hezbollah Tunnel Demolition

The military of Israel successfully demolished Hezbollah tunnels beneath the Ali Al Taher ridge late Thursday night. According to an official statement released by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this operation successfully completed the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon.

Reporting from Lebanon's National News Agency indicated that the powerful detonation produced tremors and a loud bang that resonated strongly throughout Nabatieh and its surrounding region. The Israeli military reported utilizing more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives to destroy the two tunnels, which spanned a length of over two kilometres. Earlier last week, the military stated that the area had been successfully cleared of Hezbollah fighters, noting that some individuals were killed while others managed to flee.

A joint statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz highlighted that the Ali Al Taher ridge contained strategic terrorist infrastructure developed over two decades with planning and funding from Iran. They emphasized that the destruction of this site marks the completion of operational control over the ridge, covering both above and below ground.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz further stated that the command center and terror infrastructure located on the ridge were originally intended to serve as a staging base for the conquest of the Galilee. They noted that the location held observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Concluding their remarks, they confirmed that Israeli forces will maintain their presence in southern Lebanon to sustain what they described as a security zone.