IDF prepares response to explosive drone attack: Tunnels on Ali-Taher ridge targeted
The army is marking terror tunnels in the area where an engineering vehicle was struck last night as a potential target, pending a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited southern Lebanon, emphasizing readiness for any scenario.
The IDF is preparing to respond to a Hezbollah explosive drone launch that occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. The drone targeted an IDF engineering vehicle on the Ali-Taher ridge, marking a clear violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon. As learned by Ynet, the military has identified the tunnels on the Ali-Taher ridge as a potential target and is awaiting authorization from the political echelon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Dozens of terrorists from the Shiite organization have been entrenched in this area for an extended period. Destroying these tunnels could signal a return to active combat in Lebanon.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir visited southern Lebanon today, accompanied by Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and 91st Division Commander Brigadier General Yuval Gaz. "We are prepared for any change in the situation and ready for a wide range of scenarios," Zamir stated. Regarding military achievements in Iran, he added, "If required, we will know how to deepen these achievements." While Zamir did not explicitly mention the intended response to the drone attack, this possibility underscores his remarks regarding a potential rapid return to fighting.
During the visit, the Chief of Staff met with fighters and commanders of the Kfir Brigade, who began maneuvers in southern Lebanon last week following a prolonged deployment in the Gaza Strip. "The campaign on all fronts is not yet over. You must remain alert and act offensively to deepen the damage to the enemy," Zamir told the troops. He emphasized that the IDF is clearing terrorist infrastructure from areas previously used by Hezbollah to threaten northern Israeli communities. "We will not withdraw from the territories we have captured until long-term security is ensured," he affirmed.
Zamir also called for an increase in combat forces, noting that missions are expanding across Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and Judea and Samaria. The IDF confirmed that the engineering vehicle was damaged during a patrol near the "Yellow Line," with no casualties reported. This incident marks the first time Hezbollah has utilized an explosive drone since the ceasefire agreement took effect.
