The Northern Command launched an operation in the Beaufort Ridge and the Saluki Stream area in southern Lebanon to destroy infrastructure and eliminate terrorists - as part of strengthening operational control in southern Lebanon, and to remove the direct threat to the Finger of Galilee and Metula.
As part of the operation, Golani Patrol forces retook control of the Beaufort Fortress, 26 years after the troops withdrew from the historic outpost.
According to a statement this morning (Sunday) by the IDF spokesman, the activity began several days ago, in which many ground forces began offensive activity to expand the front defense line.
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The operation was approved by the Chief of Staff and was subject to an orderly battle procedure, fire preparation, and preliminary operational preparations for preparing the area.
The activity focuses on gaining control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Saluki Stream area, as well as deepening the damage to the Hezbollah terrorist organization and destroying significant terrorist infrastructures that were established on the ridge at Iranian direction, from which Hezbollah terrorists conducted the fighting and carried out numerous terrorist plots.
The forces are operating against launch infrastructures that were established in the area, from which hundreds of launches were carried out against citizens of the State of Israel and IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon.
The IDF crossed the Litani River and expanded attacks on Hezbollah north of the river. The activity is expanding to additional areas this morning as well.
Before the troops entered, the Air Force massively attacked Hezbollah infrastructure, as part of a broad fire envelope that also included artillery and tank fire.
In addition, the forces completed a series of significant attacks on controlled areas, searched and neutralized military infrastructure in the Litani region, and carried out necessary engineering work to create the conditions for offensive activity.
The IDF is operating near Nabatieh, which is a significant Hezbollah power center in southern Lebanon, and is prepared and ready to expand the attack as necessary.
The operation joins dozens of additional activities carried out by our forces in recent weeks, as part of the ongoing attack on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Minister of Defense Israel Katz"44 years after the heroic Battle of Beaufort, and on the day of remembrance for the fallen of the Galilee Peace War, including Golani soldiers who fell in the Battle of Beaufort - IDF fighters, led by the Golani Brigade, returned to the summit of Beaufort and raised the Israeli flag and the Golani flag anew.".
""Under the direction of Prime Minister Netanyahu and my guidance, the IDF expanded the maneuver in Lebanon, crossed the Litani River and captured the Beaufort Ridge - one of the most important strategic points for the defense of the Galilee communities and maintaining the security of our forces.".
Today, the blackout imposed on the operation to prevent information from the enemy was lifted.
This is a clear message to our enemies: Those who threaten the citizens of Israel will lose their strategic assets one by one. I salute the Golani fighters and all IDF fighters who wrote another chapter of Israeli heroism in the place where our heroes fell for the homeland.
"The campaign is not over yet. The IDF is strong, and we are all determined to crush Hezbollah's power and complete the mission: ensuring security for the residents of the north.".
