IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conveyed a strong message to Hezbollah and Iran while visiting the northern sector just hours after the IDF completed the destruction of one of the most significant terrorist infrastructure sites the terror organization constructed in Gaza.
Visiting the area of the 36th Division together with Commander of the Northern Command MG Rafi Milo and Commander of the 36th Division BG Yiftach Norkin, Zamir exclaimed: "Tonight, we dismantled the underground terrorist infrastructure beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge, following the clearing of the tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge."
“This is part of a vast network that was excavated over the course of years at enormous cost - a central command, control, and combat infrastructure site of Hezbollah, built with Iranian assistance."
The Chief of Staff added that IDF troops located advanced Iranian-made weapons inside the sites that were intended to be used against IDF troops and communities in northern Israel.
Zamir accused Hezbollah of acting on behalf of Iran, saying, “Hezbollah is fighting and destroying Lebanon - as an emissary of the Iranian regime."
He warned that Lebanese villages where Hezbollah establishes terrorist infrastructure and maintains a terrorist presence are putting themselves at risk.
“Look at what happened in Qantara and Majdal Zoun: entire villages were damaged because an underground terrorist city was built beneath civilian homes," he said. “Look at what happened on Ali al-Taher Ridge - how many resources Hezbollah invested at the expense of Lebanese civilians. Resources that have gone to waste."
Addressing Hezbollah's attempts to restore its capabilities, Zamir stressed that the IDF would prevent the terrorist organization from rebuilding.
“Following the heavy blow Hezbollah sustained, we will not allow it to rebuild its capabilities and reestablish itself in the area," he stated.
“We will defend our communities at any cost - the IDF stands as a shield on the front line. Any attack on the communities in northern Israel or on the IDF troops defending them will be met with an immediate and forceful response."
Zamir also called on the Lebanese Army to “demonstrate effectiveness on the ground," warning that otherwise it would not be possible to advance the agreement signed between the governments of Israel and Lebanon.
The Chief of Staff said that extensive military operations have been carried out in the sector in recent weeks, led by the Northern Command, the 36th Division, and the brigades operating in the area.
“The mission I assigned to the troops was clear: to dismantle the infrastructure beneath Ali al-Taher Ridge by the eve of Rosh Hashanah and redeploy in the area," Zamir said. “The Yellow Line remains fully under our operational control, with no change."
He praised the troops involved in the operation, particularly the Commando Brigade and the Egoz, Maglan, and Yahalom Units, as well as troops from the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade, and additional forces who operated on the ridge and underground.
“We also remember those who fell and were wounded while fighting to achieve our objectives. This achievement is above all theirs," Zamir said.
“As the new year begins, the entire IDF stands guard over our country - from the Chief of the General Staff to the last soldier, at the frontline positions, headquarters, and command centers."
He concluded: “May this be a year of strengthening our security, a year of victory on all fronts. It is an immense privilege for us to defend our people and our homeland. Happy holiday and a happy New Year to all the people of Israel."