Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF destroyed Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge, completing the organization of the security zone in southern Lebanon. "This is a strategic terror infrastructure built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning," it was stated. "The terror infrastructure and headquarters in the ridge were designed to serve as a base for conquering the Galilee and controlled surveillance and fire over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control of the Ali Taher ridge - above and below ground. Israel will continue to defend the northern communities from within Lebanon - and any attempt to harm our citizens and forces will be met with force."