Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared what he described as another “massive victory” over Hezbollah following Israeli military operations targeting the group’s underground infrastructure on the strategically important Beaufort Ridge and Ali al-Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon.
In a statement released on September 14, Netanyahu said Israel had destroyed what he described as Hezbollah’s “major terrorist stronghold” across the two strategic locations, while warning that Israel would continue its military operations against Hezbollah infrastructure inside what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon.
“Our policy is clear: We will continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure in the security zone in Lebanon. We will continue to remove any threat to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He also issued a direct warning to Israel’s enemies, saying that any renewed attack against Israel would result in an even stronger response.
“And from here, I say to our enemies: If you haven't learned the lesson by now, and you choose to attack us again, you will suffer even heavier blows,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel still had work to complete and would finish it “with G-d’s help.”
The latest declaration follows a series of Israeli military operations around the two ridges, which have become strategically significant in the continuing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
Strategic Importance of the Two Ridges
The Ali al-Taher Ridge, located approximately 15 kilometres from the Israeli border, overlooks a broad area of southern Lebanon and has emerged as one of the most contested positions in the conflict. Its elevation and location provide significant visibility over surrounding territory, making control of the area strategically important to both sides.
On September 10, Israel said it had destroyed an extensive underground Hezbollah complex beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge after establishing operational control of the area. According to the Israeli military, the underground network extended for more than two kilometres and contained rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank weapons, mines and other military equipment. It also said a command complex belonging to Hezbollah’s Badr Unit was located inside the network.
The destruction reportedly involved a massive explosion that generated a tremor measured at approximately magnitude 4.1 by the U.S. Geological Survey, according to reports.
Israel has also targeted underground infrastructure beneath the Beaufort Ridge. Israeli officials have described the area as an important Hezbollah stronghold, while the Israeli military says its forces uncovered tunnels, command facilities, weapons storage areas and other infrastructure beneath the ridge.
Israel Vows to Maintain Security Zone
Netanyahu’s latest remarks reinforce Israel’s stated intention to maintain its military presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military infrastructure in the area.
Israeli officials have said their forces will remain positioned to prevent Hezbollah from returning and restoring its capabilities. The issue remains closely linked to the broader framework for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the proposed disarmament of Hezbollah, which has faced significant obstacles.
For Netanyahu, the destruction of the infrastructure represents a significant operational achievement. However,
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