Israel Claims Control of Southern Lebanon Tunnels as IDF Chief Says Hezbollah Is Exhausted
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 5
Israel Claims Control of Southern Lebanon Tunnels as IDF Chief Says Hezbollah Is Exhausted
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jul 5
Summary
Eyal Zamir said Israeli forces now hold operational control of key southern Lebanon terrain and Hezbollah tunnel networks, after touring the Beaufort Ridge and entering an Israeli-controlled tunnel.
Beaufort, which Zamir said was saturated with terrorist infrastructure, was seized through recent IDF operations that he said weakened Hezbollah enough to leave it relying on Iran.
The IDF chief said Lebanon remains obligated under a US-brokered ceasefire to clear Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, while warning Israel is ready to resume offensive action if the truce is violated.
Benjamin Netanyahu separately met ministers and defense officials as Israel awaits confirmation from the Lebanese Armed Forces and CENTCOM for a two-site pilot that could let the LAF take over cleared areas.
Netanyahu also rejected reports that Donald Trump was restraining Israeli action in Lebanon, saying the two leaders align 99% of the time even as no US meeting date has been set.