Israel Says It Cleared Hezbollah Underground Network Beneath Ali al-Taher Ridge

Israel says it has taken control of Hezbollah’s underground network beneath the Ali al-Taher Ridge, a strategic height in southern Lebanon that has become a major flashpoint in the conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops from its 36th Division gained operational control of the ridge above and below ground. They cleared two underground routes of Hezbollah fighters, killing some and forcing others to flee, while work to neutralize the facilities continued.

According to the IDF, the network took roughly two decades to build and was planned and financed by Iran. It included command centers, weapons rooms, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen. The military said those facilities allowed fighters to remain underground and conduct operations for extended periods.

Israel said fighters using the network had attacked Israeli civilians and soldiers. It described the operation as having effectively neutralized Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks from the underground routes. Israeli forces would continue destroying the infrastructure before establishing what the military called a renewed defensive posture based on the security situation.

The operation followed an escalation around the ridge. Israel said Hezbollah launched two explosive drones at Israeli forces near the area on Wednesday. The drones were intercepted, and Israel later struck Hezbollah targets in the Nabatieh area. No Israeli military casualties were reported. The ridge lies about 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and rises to roughly 600 meters, offering views over southern Lebanon and routes toward the Iqlim al-Tuffah region.

“

The terrorists who were present inside the infrastructure carried out terror attacks against Israel and IDF soldiers and were eliminated or fled.