Joint Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz: In accordance with the directive of the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister, the IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Ali Taher ridge, thereby completing the consolidation of the security zone in southern Lebanon. This was strategic terror infrastructure built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning. The terror infrastructure and the command center on the ridge were designed to serve as the staging base for the conquest of the Galilee, and had observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge – above and below ground. IDF forces are deploying for defense in the area and to prevent enemy forces from returning to the territory. The IDF will remain in the security zone and will continue destroying terror infrastructure and thwarting any attempt by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to re-establish itself and restore its capabilities. The State of Israel will continue to defend the northern communities from within Lebanon – and any attempt to harm our citizens and our forces will be met with force.