Katz Says Israel Will Keep Striking Hezbollah After Ali Taher Ridge Tunnels Destroyed
Israel's defence minister says the campaign against Hezbollah will continue in additional locations after the military said it dismantled tunnels under the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel is prepared to keep striking Hezbollah, speaking after the military said it had dismantled the group's underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher Ridge area of southern Lebanon.
"We are ready and prepared to continue the campaign, to continue striking Hezbollah, in additional locations," Katz said.
He described the ridge tunnels as the final point that needed to be addressed, saying they had been filled with ammunition and threatening equipment.
The remarks came as the Israeli military released footage on Friday showing what it said was tunnel infrastructure beneath the Ali Taher Ridge. The military said the tunnels had been used by Hezbollah and were dismantled by Israeli forces.
The released material includes tracking shots presented as the interior of an underground route, a weapon and a bag visible inside, and body-camera footage said to show a soldier from the Yahalom unit moving through one of the passages. Other clips show a soldier handling what appear to be military weapons and checking a box.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that the military had destroyed Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on the strategic ridge, which has been the site of clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in recent weeks.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain in what Israel calls the "security zone" in southern Lebanon and continue destroying Hezbollah infrastructure.