Israel Seizes Strategic Ridges and Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel Network

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces have taken full control of the Ali al-Taher and Beaufort ridges in southern Lebanon, describing the operation as a massive victory over Hezbollah. As part of the offensive, the Israeli military demolished a vast network of tunnels under the Ali al-Taher ridge that served as a command center and weapons depot. The resulting blast was powerful enough to be recorded as a 4.1 magnitude tremor by the US Geological Survey.

Israel asserts that the tunnel network was constructed over two decades with assistance from Iran. This operation follows a broader conflict that escalated after Israel and the United States attacked Iran in February, prompting Hezbollah to launch rocket attacks against northern Israel. Despite these military actions, Lebanon and Israel are currently operating under a US-sponsored framework agreement signed in June intended to facilitate Hezbollah's disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Netanyahu warned that Israel will continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure within the Lebanese security zone to eliminate threats to the state. He cautioned Hezbollah that any further attacks would result in even heavier blows, stating that military operations will persist until all objectives are completed.