Israel says south Lebanon 'security zone' complete after blowing up Hezbollah tunnels at Ali Al Taher ridge

Israel's military conducted a series of explosions on Thursday night, effectively completing the creation of the security zone in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The blasts were so powerful that they caused tremors and a loud bang audible in Nabatieh and surrounding areas, reported Lebanon's National News Agency.

The Israeli military disclosed that it employed over 1,000 tonnes of explosives to dismantle two tunnels, which stretched more than two kilometres in length. It had previously announced the clearance of Hezbollah fighters from the region, with some reportedly killed and others fleeing. In a joint statement alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu declared that Ali Al Taher ridge harboured "strategic terrorist infrastructure constructed over two decades, funded and planned by Iran."

They emphasized that the destruction of this infrastructure marked the complete attainment of operational control over the ridge, both above and below ground. Netanyahu and Katz stated that the terror infrastructure and command center on the ridge were intended to serve as a staging base for an invasion of the Galilee, providing observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona.

They affirmed that the destruction of this infrastructure marked the completion of operational control over the ridge. They also asserted that Israeli forces would maintain their presence in southern Lebanon, describing it as a "security zone".