IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir described the Hezbollah terror group as “exhausted” during a meeting with Israeli soldiers at the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, the military announced.
Zamir noted the significance of Israel having taken the Beaufort area from Hezbollah’s control, saying it was “saturated with terrorist infrastructure.”
“The military achievements you secured weakened Hezbollah,” said Zamir. “It is now relying on its Iranian patron to save it.”
The IDF chief, who toured the region alongside several military commanders, entered an Israeli-controlled Hezbollah tunnel as part of an operational situational assessment.
“The Hezbollah terrorist organization, funded and directed by Iran, spent decades constructing underground tunnels throughout the area to threaten northern Israeli communities,” he told the IDF soldiers. “Now, our troops have operational control of this key terrain both above ground and of these underground tunnel networks.”
He further spoke of Lebanese commitments under the ceasefire framework arranged via the United States, noting their obligation to “clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.”
“The IDF will continue to operate decisively to remove threats from Lebanese territory and is prepared to transition rapidly to offensive operations should the ceasefire be violated,” he added.
Zamir: IDF made Lebanon deal possible
Zamir emphasized that the agreement with Lebanon would not have been possible without “the courage of our soldiers and the operations led by Northern Command,” specifically thanking the IDF 36th Division for its crossing of the Litani River and actions against Hezbollah.
Earlier on Sunday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework, according to an Al-Jadeed report.
“I am telling you that I am not in love with Israel, but give me another solution, whatever it may be,” said Aoun. “I am telling those who oppose this framework that I am waiting for any solution or agreement that will get us out of wars.”
The deal between the countries outlines a structured process for Hezbollah’s disarmament, creating the conditions for an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, according to the US State Department.
Maariv contributed to this report.
