Area around Beaufort Ridge 'saturated with Hezbollah terror infrastructure,' IDF chief says

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir declared Hezbollah "exhausted" following the Israeli military's capture of the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. During a visit with soldiers in the region, Zamir highlighted the strategic significance of controlling the area, noting it was "saturated with terrorist infrastructure." He asserted that the military achievements had weakened Hezbollah, which now depends on its "Iranian patron to save it."

“

The military achievements you secured weakened Hezbollah. It is now relying on its Iranian patron to save it.

Zamir toured the region, including an Israeli-controlled Hezbollah tunnel, as part of an operational assessment. He informed IDF soldiers that the Hezbollah terrorist organization, funded and directed by Iran, had spent decades constructing underground tunnels to threaten northern Israeli communities. "Now, our troops have operational control of this key terrain both above ground and of these underground tunnel networks," he stated.

“

The Hezbollah terrorist organization, funded and directed by Iran, spent decades constructing underground tunnels throughout the area to threaten northern Israeli communities. Now, our troops have operational control of this key terrain both above ground and of these underground tunnel networks.

The IDF chief also referenced the ceasefire framework arranged via the United States, reminding Lebanese officials of their obligation to "clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists and terrorist infrastructure." Zamir added that the IDF remains prepared to "operate decisively to remove threats from Lebanese territory and is prepared to transition rapidly to offensive operations should the ceasefire be violated."

“

The IDF will continue to operate decisively to remove threats from Lebanese territory and is prepared to transition rapidly to offensive operations should the ceasefire be violated.

Earlier on Sunday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework, expressing a pragmatic view on the situation. "I am telling you that I am not in love with Israel, but give me another solution, whatever it may be," Aoun said, according to an Al-Jadeed report. He challenged opponents of the framework, stating, "I am waiting for any solution or agreement that will get us out of wars."

“

I am telling you that I am not in love with Israel, but give me another solution, whatever it may be. I am telling those who oppose this framework that I am waiting for any solution or agreement that will get us out of wars.