Four months of continuous fighting, under some of the most difficult terrain conditions and amid relentless Hezbollah attempts to strike the forces, have ended with a significant achievement: The IDF has completed the capture and clearing of the Ali al-Taher Ridge, one of Hezbollah’s main terrorist strongholds in southern Lebanon.
The operation, considered one of the most complex carried out by the IDF in recent years, included a daring crossing of the Litani River, prolonged combat above and below ground, and an extensive intelligence and operational effort involving the Givati Brigade, 7th Brigade, Duvdevan Unit, Yahalom Unit, and numerous other elements from across the military.
The IDF says that from the outset of the operation, the forces faced an especially complex situation. Hezbollah exercised almost complete control over the Litani area, and crossing the river required sophisticated deception operations and the opening of alternative routes, a process that lasted many weeks.
At the same time, Golani Reconnaissance Unit forces advanced deep into the area, while additional forces raided terrorist targets and engaged in face-to-face combat in an effort to surprise Hezbollah terrorists from several directions simultaneously.
Following the completion of the fighting in the Beaufort complex, the focus shifted to the main objective - the Ali al-Taher Ridge, which had served for years as Hezbollah’s command-and-control center in the sector.
The large-scale commando operation required complex operational, logistical and intelligence solutions, with coordination among elements from across the IDF General Staff.
One of the most significant challenges was the underground network Hezbollah had constructed over the years. For approximately three months, the soldiers confronted dozens of terrorists who had barricaded themselves inside the tunnels and refused to emerge.
The terrain - dense vegetation, rocks, heavy fog and mountainous topography - turned every advance into a complex mission, but the forces continued increasing the pressure until they achieved full control of the complex.
During the operation, approximately 5,400 meters of underground routes were located, and tons of explosives were used to destroy them. Large quantities of weapons and terrorist infrastructure were also seized alongside the tunnels. The IDF stressed that the Iranian infrastructure operating in the area was completely destroyed.
Hezbollah did not give up on the strategic stronghold even as the fighting continued. The terrorist organization repeatedly attempted to send additional terrorists to the ridge and deliver supplies to them, but the IDF succeeded in cutting off the access routes, eliminating terrorists and preventing Hezbollah from reestablishing its hold on the area.
According to estimates, dozens of terrorists operated in the area; some were eliminated and others fled.
The IDF emphasized that the operation does not mark the end of its activities in Lebanon. The 36th and 91st Divisions continue to operate in the sector, and the forces are prepared to carry out preventive and counterterrorism operations to thwart any attempt by Hezbollah to reestablish itself in the area.
The IDF’s message is unequivocal: The Yellow Line remains unchanged, Israel does not intend to withdraw from the areas in which it is operating, and any attempt by Hezbollah to rebuild its capabilities or approach the border will be met with immediate military action.
After four months of fighting, the IDF says one of Hezbollah’s most significant terrorist strongholds has been left empty of terrorists - and the organization will find it far more difficult to return.