IDF completes Ali Taher security zone after destroying Hezbollah tunnels

IDF destroys Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, uncovering Iranian-made weapons and a central command complex.

Netanyahu and Katz describe the tunnels as a strategic terrorist network built over two decades with the intention of conquering the Galilee region.

IDF troops are now focused on defending the area and preventing Hezbollah from returning to establish its presence in the region.

IDF troops are preparing to defend the area and prevent Hezbollah from returning, Netanyahu and Katz said.

The IDF has destroyed Hezbollah's underground infrastructure on the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, completing the establishment of Israel's security zone there, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement on Thursday.

IDF soldiers completed the dismantling of underground routes in the Ali al-Taher ridge area after recently establishing operational control over the ridge, both above and below ground, the military said.

Later on Thursday, Army Radio cited Lebanese reports as saying that the country registered a magnitude 4.1 earthquake following the detonation.

The underground terrorist infrastructure extended for more than two kilometers. Troops found dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and UAV s inside, along with machine guns, dozens of anti-tank missiles, and hundreds of mines and explosive devices.

The IDF said that a central command complex belonging to Hezbollah's Badr Unit was located within the underground infrastructure. The complex contained command centers, weapons storage rooms, and living quarters that enabled Hezbollah terrorists to manage combat operations and remain underground for extended periods.

IDF destroys Hezbollah tunnel in Ali Taher ridge, September 10, 2026. (credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

Netanyahu, Katz say tunnels constituted strategic terrorist network

Netanyahu and Katz said the infrastructure was a strategic terrorist network built over the course of two decades with Iranian funding and planning.

According to their statement, the terrorist infrastructure and command center on the ridge were intended to serve as a base for an operation to conquer the Galilee and provided observation and fire control over Metulla and Kiryat Shmona.

Its destruction completes the IDF's achievement of operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge, both above and below ground, according to the statement.

The IDF will remain in the security zone, continue destroying terrorist infrastructure, and thwart any attempt by Hezbollah to reestablish itself in the area or rebuild its capabilities, they added.