Katz: Israel won’t leave South Lebanon security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will not withdraw from its security zone in Southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout the country and threats to the Galilee are neutralized. This declaration followed the IDF's capture of the Ali al-Taher Ridge, a strategic location containing Hezbollah command-and-control tunnels used for attacks. Katz emphasized, "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats to the residents of the Galilee are removed." The IDF's 36th Division cleared two underground routes on the ridge, establishing operational control and neutralizing Hezbollah's ability to launch attacks from the area. The underground network, built over two decades with Iranian funding, included command centers, weapon storage, and living quarters. The IDF will continue operations to maintain control of the ridge and prevent Hezbollah's reestablishment while remaining committed to the ceasefire agreement.