Katz conditions Lebanese withdrawal on Hezbollah disarmament

• ‘Israeli’ military claims it seized Ali Al-Taher ridge and clear its underground tunnels.
• Ridge described as a key Hezbollah command and defensive position.

'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed on Friday that 'Israel' will not withdraw its forces from the designated "security zone" in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed across the country.

Katz made the statement after the 'Israeli' military alleged that Division 36 forces had achieved operational control over the Ali Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon, above and below ground.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a clear and uncompromising line... Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats to the residents of the Galilee are removed," Katz said in his statement.

Tunnels on Ali Taher ridge

The statement from Katz followed an announcement by the 'Israeli' military claiming that its forces completed clearing operations inside two underground tunnel routes on the Ali Taher ridge.

According to military statements, forces operating in the area eliminated some fighters within the tunnels, while others fled the sector.

The military alleged that engineering operations are continuing to neutralize to what it described as the subterranean infrastructure before forces redeploy for long-term defensive positioning.

Katz highlighted the strategic importance of the sector, framing its capture as a pivotal milestone in 'Israel's' broader operational goals.

"The Ali Taher tunnels were a command center for attacks on our forces and the Galilee region, and at the same time served as the last dominant outpost protecting the Nabatieh area — so vital to Hezbollah — hence their strategic importance," Katz stated. "The capture of Ali Taher is an important step in achieving the goal."